The 35-year-old has played only four Tests at cricket’s most historic venue across a career spanning 109 matches, and he is not taking his latest appearance there for granted.
“I’ve played for a while and only get a handful of opportunities to come to Lord’s and play and have the experience that you have here,” Williamson told reporters on Tuesday.
The New Zealand captain spoke warmly about what makes Lord’s different to every other ground in the world, citing the Long Room walk, the MCC members, the tradition and even the lunches as part of what makes the venue truly unique.
“The history that surrounds it, the effort that goes into all of that. You come here and you notice those differences to all other grounds,” he said.
Williamson has his name on the Lord’s dressing room honours board after scoring 132 there in 2015, a feat that eluded celebrated batsmen including Ricky Ponting, Sachin Tendulkar and Brian Lara across their careers.
“A memorable time some time ago, but I do remember it fondly,” he said.
Across his Test career, Williamson has scored over 9,000 runs at an average of 54.58 with 33 centuries, making him one of the finest batters of his generation.
Several New Zealand players will be experiencing Lord’s for the first time on Thursday and Williamson said the excitement in the dressing room was clear.
The first Test begins on Thursday.
– AFP
Photo: Phil Walter/Getty Images
