The retirement of Kane Williamson from international cricket marks a significant moment in the sport, especially given his place in the 'Fab Four' alongside Virat Kohli, Joe Root, and Steve Smith. This quartet, once coined by Martin Crowe, has dominated the cricketing landscape for over a decade and a half, with their careers becoming inextricably linked. The question of who among them is the greatest has sparked endless debates, but Williamson's departure invites a different kind of reflection.
The Rise of the Fab Four
The Fab Four emerged from the shadows of their contemporaries, each carving their own unique path to greatness. Kohli's intensity, Smith's genius, Root's relentless volume, and Williamson's calmness and stability became defining characteristics of their era. Despite Kohli's white-ball dominance, it was Test cricket that provided the most intriguing comparisons, where the ebbs and flows of their careers became a fascinating spectacle.
A Narrow Corridor of Greatness
Their Test averages, after thousands of runs and over a decade, occupy a remarkably narrow corridor. Smith leads with 56.06, followed by Williamson at 54.06, with Root and Kohli trailing closely behind. This proximity in averages highlights the fine line between greatness and mediocrity, making the debate all the more intriguing.
Match-Winning Runs
However, it's not just about the numbers. Williamson's impact in match-winning situations is extraordinary. In Tests New Zealand won, he averaged 81.1, far surpassing Smith's 64, Root's 62, and Kohli's 51. His 22 hundreds in NZ victories, despite playing for the smallest cricketing nation among the four, carry disproportionate weight.
Captaincy and Leadership
The added responsibility of captaincy brought out the best in Williamson. His average soared to 57 during his years as captain, and remarkably, it rose further to 60 after stepping away from the role. This is in stark contrast to Kohli, Root, and Smith, whose captaincy tenures had varying effects on their performance.
Defying Age
Williamson defied the typical batter's peak and decline pattern. His early thirties produced an average of 66.7, the highest phase of his career. This is in contrast to Kohli, whose average slid from nearly 59 in his late twenties to 39 and eventually 26. Smith's peak arrived earlier, while Root remains age-resistant.
Share of Team Runs
A different perspective on Williamson's greatness is provided by the share of team runs. He accounted for 16.4 percent of all New Zealand runs scored in the Tests he played, surpassing Smith's 16.1 percent, Root's 15.7 percent, and Kohli's 14.6 percent. This highlights the disproportionate impact he had on his team's success.
A Soft Departure
Williamson's retirement is a quiet one, without a dramatic comeback or farewell tour. With 9,515 runs at 54.06, 33 hundreds, and the satisfaction of a career well-completed, he leaves behind a legacy that challenges the notion of greatness needing drama. His approach to the game, marked by endurance and consistency, has inspired a new generation of batters.
In the end, the debate over the Fab Four's greatness may continue, but Williamson's departure invites a deeper appreciation of his unique contribution to the sport. His career, marked by stability, leadership, and a quiet determination to excel, has left an indelible mark on Test cricket.
