Kane Williamson-led New Zealand side is the best team in the country's history, claims Sir Richard Hadlee

Legendary New Zealand bowler Sir Richard Hadlee has heaped praise on the Kane Williamson-led side after they clinched the inaugural World Test Championship mace at Ageas Bowl, Southampton on Wednesday, and has termed the unit the best ever in New Zealand's history. 

Two years ago, New Zealand were deprived of the most fancied trophy, the ICC World Cup, after they fell short on boundary coun t against England, despite both teams being level on scores, not once but twice in the blockbuster final. This was New Zealand’s second ICC title, and the first major trophy, after they won the 2000 ICC KnockOut Trophy in Nairobi, against India. 

“This is a special day in the history of NZ cricket, a day to celebrate the magnificent achievement of winning the inaugural World Test Championship,” expressed the 69-year-old.

“Over the past two years, the BLACKCAPS performances in the Test arena have been outstanding with Test match and series wins at home and abroad, and they thoroughly deserve to be crowned world champions, he added. 

The Black Caps found some emerging players like Kyle Jamieson, who was adjudged as the man of the match for his spectacular bowling spell in the game, and Devon Conway, who just played his career’s third Test in the final. Hadlee has applauded the team for their skills and teamwork under the effective coaching of Gary Stead. 

“The whole team has shown a high degree of professionalism. Their skill sets have complemented each other to make them a complete playing unit. The management and support staff have also played important roles in preparing players to perform at the highest level,” Hadlee said.