New Zealand veteran batters Kane Williamson and Tom Latham etched their names into the history books on Wednesday, May 27, by becoming the first two players in the game's history to play a Test match in 12 different countries. The historic milestone was achieved at the Civil Service Cricket Club, which is currently hosting a one-off Test match between Ireland and New Zealand. This fixture marks the first-ever appearance in a Test match on Irish soil for both Williamson and Latham.
Kane Williamson, Tom Latham's historic milestone in IRE vs NZ one-off Test
Prior to reaching this remarkable landmark in Ireland, the prolific duo had already compiled an extensive global footprint over their illustrious international careers. Representing New Zealand, both players have featured in at least one Test match across eleven other traditional and neutral cricketing venues worldwide, including India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, England, Australia, South Africa, the West Indies, the UAE, Zimbabwe, and their own home conditions in New Zealand.
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Cricketers to play Tests in most countries:
Kane Williamson (New Zealand) – 12*
Tom Latham (New Zealand) – 12*
Shane Warne (Australia) – 11
Ricky Ponting (Australia) – 11
Waqar Younis (Pakistan) – 11
Saqlain Mushtaq (Pakistan) – 11
Younis Khan (Pakistan) – 11
Inzamam-ul-Haq (Pakistan) – 11
Mohammad Yousuf (Pakistan) – 11
Misbah-ul-Haq (Pakistan) – 11
Chris Gayle (West Indies) – 11
Shivnarine Chanderpaul (West Indies) – 11
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This unique achievement highlights the unprecedented global careers of Kane Williamson and Tom Latham, as no other player in the 149-year history of Test cricket has ever taken the field in 12 different countries. Additionally, the historic fixture marks a rare milestone for the visiting side, with New Zealand becoming only the fourth team in cricket history to play a Test match in Ireland. The ongoing encounter is a significant moment for Irish cricket, representing just the third Test match ever to be hosted on Irish soil. Ireland made its historic format debut by hosting Pakistan in May 2018 at Malahide in Dublin, followed by a clash against Zimbabwe in Belfast during July 2024. The match also presents an extraordinary individual opportunity for Kane Williamson, who already stands as New Zealand's highest run-scorer in the longest format of the game. If the 35-year-old right-handed batter from Tauranga manages to score a half-century during this game, he will become the first player in world cricket to register a 50-plus score in all 12 countries where he has played Test matches.
Talking about the match, New Zealand were placed at 152/4 as of 41 overs with Rachin Ravindra (63*) and Tom Blundell (38*) still intact on the crease.