BLACKCAPS Kane Williamson and Tim Southee have been named in the ICC Test team of the Year for 2014, with Ross Taylor also being named as 12th man.
The team was judged on matches played between 26 August 2013 and 17 September 2014, with the BLACKCAPS winning three Test series during that time period.
2014 Test Team of the Year
David Warner (Aus)
Kane Williamson (NZ)
Kumar Sangakkara (SL)
AB de Villiers (SA)
Joe Root (Eng)
Angelo Mathews (SL) (captain)
Mitchell Johnson (Aus)
Stuart Broad (Eng)
Dale Steyn (SA)
Rangana Herath (SL)
Tim Southee (NZ)
Ross Taylor (NZ) (12th man)
Williamson scored four centuries within that time, including a crucial and career high knock of 161* to help beat the West Indies in the third and decisive Test at Bridgetown. He averaged a staggering 66.13, while also chipping in with the ball.
Spearhead bowler Southee was also rightfully acknowledged. His partnership with Trent Boult with the new ball has been a key element of the BLACKCAPS success and the duo been remarkably consistent over the last couple of years. Over the recent 12 months Southee has taken 40 wickets at a miserly average of 20.50.
Coach Mike Hesson said it was pleasing to see New Zealand represented so well in the long format.
“It’s been a brilliant 12 months for us in the Test arena and it’s great to see some of the players get recognition for their efforts,” said Hesson.
“Tim, Kane and Ross have been world class for us over a number of years now, but the recent season has been particularly special and their figures have shown that.
“We must have had a couple of other players in contention too, with the likes of Brendon (McCullum) and Trent (Boult) also having exceptional seasons. It’s a good sign of our evolvement in the Test game.”
