Young South Africa batter advises his teammates to learn from Williamson, says ‘If we can learn 10% from Kane…’

David Bedingham advised South Africa to observe Kane Williamson's performance in the Bay Oval Test. Recently, Williamson became the fifth New Zealand batter to smash twin centuries in a Test.

SportsTak Desk

• Wed • 07 Feb 2024

Kane Williamson of New Zealand bats during First Test in the series between New Zealand and South Africa. (Getty Images)

Highlights:

Kane Williamson hit two tons in the first Test against South Africa.

New Zealand bulldozed Proteas by 281 runs at Bay Oval.

South Africa urged the team to observe Kane Williamson.

David Bedingham urged Proteas to analyse Kane Williamson's performance in the opening Test between South Africa and New Zealand at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui.

Williamson recently achieved the milestone of becoming the fifth Black Caps batter to score two tons in a single Test after he notched his 31st century in the format. The seasoned player has demonstrated exceptional consistency by turning 11 of his last 12 Test innings of fifty or more into centuries.

The 29-year-old Bedingham said that if Proteas batters can absorb just 10 percent of the lessons from Williamson, who boasts a Test average of nearly 70 at home, they can grow by leaps and bounds.

"From a batting point of view, we can all take a lot out of Kane's innings. We don't bat like him, but in terms of the application, even from Rav (Rachin Ravindra). If we can learn 10% from Kane, we'll all be better players," Bedingham said in the post-match presentation ceremony.

'Quite upset I didn't score a hundred'

In the second innings, Bedingham emerged as the sole positive for South Africa after being tasked with chasing down a formidable target of 529. The right-handed batter swiftly accumulated 87 runs from 96 balls, featuring 13 fours and three sixes.

Kyle Jamieson ended Bedingham's innings just as he seemed poised to secure his first Test century. Bedingham admitted feeling ‘quite upset’ about falling short of a three-figure score and expressed his desire to challenge the opposition bowling attack.

“Quite upset I didn't score a hundred. We practised that kind of tactic (against the short balls) because the Kiwis do that quite a bit,” he said.

I'm glad I stuck to it till the end. The first over Henry was bowling I was blocking, and I thought one might pop, and I might get caught so better to go after it. Also, I like to play on my terms," Bedingham added.

In their second innings, South Africa was bowled out for 247 runs in 80 overs, resulting in a 281-run loss in the first Test. With the Kiwis securing an unassailable 1-0 lead, South Africa will aim to reverse their fortunes in the second Test, commencing on February 13 at Seddon Park in Hamilton.

(Powered by AI, Inputs by India Today)

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