‘You’re delaying my lunch’ – Williamson revels in final Lord’s bow
A Lighthearted Farewell at the Home of Cricket
“Yeah it probably is, eh? And you’re delaying my lunch, which isn’t very good of you…” With that classic dry wit, Kane Williamson addressed the media on Tuesday, acknowledging the reality that the upcoming first Test against England at Lord’s will be his final professional bow at the iconic venue. It is a moment of reflection for the legendary batter, who is set to earn his 110th Test cap this Thursday, a far cry from his debut appearance at the same ground back in 2013 when he was just 24.
A Career Defined by Longevity
Williamson’s history with the Home of Cricket stretches back to 2012, when he first graced the turf for Middlesex in a Pro40 fixture. Since then, he has navigated the complexities of international cricket with grace, moving from a young talent to a seasoned veteran. As the 35-year-old looks toward the future, he admits that he is savoring these final few days in NW8, fully aware that opportunities to play at such a historic ground are finite.
The Unique Magic of Lord’s
Reflecting on the venue, Williamson spoke with genuine warmth about what makes Lord’s stand out in a global circuit. “It’s always a special Test,” he noted. “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.”
For Williamson, the sensory details of the ground remain etched in his mind. From the iconic walk through the Long Room to the traditional lunches that have become a hallmark of the experience, he cherishes the atmosphere. He also expressed his excitement for the younger players in the current squad, many of whom will be stepping onto the hallowed turf for the first time.
Honours Board Memories
While Williamson’s overall average at Lord’s sits at 32—somewhat modest by his lofty career standards of 54.58—he holds a distinction that even legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Brian Lara were denied: his name is etched on the prestigious honours board in the away dressing room. This came in the summer of 2015, when he compiled a magnificent 132 in the opening Test of the series.
“The honours board is something that people talk a lot about,” Williamson recalled. “It was an amazing game of cricket. We ended up losing, but we scored 700 runs and took 20 wickets—on any other day, we’re pretty happy with that.” The match, which featured the tactical brilliance of Brendon McCullum—now the England head coach—remains a fond memory for the Kiwi veteran. The challenging conditions, where overheads and the movement of the Dukes ball created a unique difficulty, served as a masterclass in Test match endurance.
The Final Bow
As the cricket world watches, the upcoming Test carries an air of finality for one of the game’s greatest gentlemen. Whether or not New Zealand secures a result, the week will be defined by the quiet respect Williamson holds for the sport’s traditions. Operating without a long-term national contract and facing the uncertainties of a shifting international calendar, Williamson is making sure he enjoys every moment. Including, of course, the lunch.
Looking Ahead
With six more days of cricket ahead, the Black Caps will be looking to channel the same competitive fire that defined their previous encounters at this venue. For Williamson, it is about enjoying the craft of batting in a setting that has seen so much history. As he prepares to walk out onto the pitch once more, the cricket community will undoubtedly be watching a master at work, savoring his final performance at a place he has helped define for over a decade.
