Kane Williamson was head and shoulders above everyone else in the recent game vs Gloucestershire at Cheltenham. He carried his bat for a brilliant knock of 104 not out off just 112 deliveries. His appropriately paced century was key to anchoring the Middlesex innings as they set out to build a sizeable first innings lead. The New Zealand captain showcased his prowess with the bat, notably accelerating the scoring rate in the latter stages of his innings.
Williamson was resolutely forward in the crease, and it was no mean feat that he had not out 28 runs at tea. It wasn’t long before he hit his stride. Together, they made an immensely important partnership that got to a hundred in just 95 balls. Williamson reached his personal landmark in style with a glorious boundary to square leg off Todd Murphy. He achieved this in a record 104 deliveries, hitting a remarkable 12 fours and two sixes during the innings.
Graeme van Buuren delivered an explosive over that would epitomise the innings. In that over, Williamson singlehandedly changed the game with 20 runs, one of which was a pair of sixes over the spinner’s head. His aggressive approach shone through as he brought up his 50 off just 68 balls, with seven fours included in his knock so far.
Josh De Caires was a key figure with the bat, scoring 58 runs before his dismissal. Leus du Plooy played a crucial role, remaining unbeaten at 42, supporting Williamson in building a solid foundation for Middlesex’s innings.
Matt Taylor was the best bowler for Gloucestershire. He took 2/47 from 12 overs, which hardly begins to explain the impact he had. He accounted for Sam Robson, who nicked an innocuous delivery to Ollie Price. He removed Max Holden, who nicked off through to wicketkeeper James Bracey. Todd Murphy found it difficult to make an impact with his limited time during the pre-lunch session. Hiring Miles Hammond dropped a regulation catch off his bowling.
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