‘You’re delaying my lunch’ – Williamson revels in final Lord’s bow
A Farewell to the Home of Cricket
“Yeah it probably is, eh? And you’re delaying my lunch, which isn’t very good of you…” With his trademark dry wit, Kane Williamson acknowledged the weight of the moment during his press conference on Tuesday. The realisation that the upcoming first Test against England marks his final appearance at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground adds a layer of poignancy to what is set to be his 110th Test match. For a player who first stepped onto this hallowed turf in 2013, the week represents a final curtain call at the venue where legends are defined.
A Long Relationship with NW8
Williamson’s history with Lord’s extends well beyond his Test career. His first professional outing at the ground came in 2012, playing for Gloucestershire in a Clydesdale Bank Pro40 fixture. Since then, he has navigated the unique challenges that only Lord’s provides, including a stint with Yorkshire in 2014—a match famously remembered for a high-scoring thriller against Middlesex. Last summer, the veteran further cemented his bond with the venue by signing a unique deal with the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), allowing him to represent both Middlesex and the London Spirit, showcasing his deep-seated appreciation for English conditions.
The Magic of the Long Room
Reflecting on the unique atmosphere of the venue, Williamson spoke with genuine reverence. “It’s always a special Test,” he remarked. “I think the way they maintain the tradition is quite special. It’s unique to Lord’s; the history that surrounds it, the effort that goes into all of that. You come here and you notice those differences compared to all other grounds.” From the iconic walk through the Long Room to the legendary lunches, Williamson highlighted the sensory details that make the venue a bucket-list destination for every cricketer. He noted that despite his years of experience, seeing the excitement in the faces of younger teammates experiencing the ground for the first time is a reminder of the venue’s enduring power.
Honours Board Legacy
While Williamson’s statistical record at Lord’s—averaging 32 across eight knocks—does not quite mirror his career-wide average of 54.58, he possesses something that many legends, including Sachin Tendulkar and Brian Lara, do not: his name on the Lord’s Honours Board. That accolade was secured in 2015, when he struck a magnificent 132 in the opening Test of the summer. Although the match resulted in a defeat for New Zealand, the contest remains etched in memory as a turning point for English Test cricket’s resurgence.
Reflecting on Cricket’s Finest Stage
Discussing that 2015 century, Williamson recalled the shifting conditions that make England a unique test of temperament. “It was unique because it was a pretty good pitch, and then the overheads came over and the lights came on, and all of a sudden it was really, really difficult,” he explained. “That’s some of the characteristics that you have here in particular in England with the Dukes ball.” As he steps out for his final bow, Williamson is not just looking for runs; he is savouring the tradition and the challenge. With the uncertainty surrounding future tours and his status as a player operating outside a national contract in the twilight of his career, the cricket world will be watching closely as one of the game’s greatest servants takes his final walk to the crease at the Home of Cricket.
For the current New Zealand squad, many of whom were part of the 2022 setup, the return to Lord’s under the guidance of former colleagues like Tim Southee provides a sense of continuity. Yet, the atmosphere will undoubtedly be dominated by the presence of Williamson, a player whose respect for the game’s traditions is as profound as his skill with the bat. As the lunch bell rings, the cricketing community will collectively pause to appreciate a legend for whom, perhaps, this final visit is simply about enjoying the game he loves, one meal at a time.
