NZ vs WI: Williamson's gesture towards Roach wins over internet

New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson has become the flag-bearer for 'Spirit of Cricket', and his latest gesture towards Windies pacer Kemar Roach has taken the internet by storm.

New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson has become the flag-bearer for 'Spirit of Cricket', and his latest gesture towards Windies pacer Kemar Roach has taken the internet by storm. New Zealand and West Indies are currently squaring off in the first Test of the two-match series. However, before the start of play on the opening day, Williamson embraced Roach as the latter lost his father Andrew Smith recently.

Windies Cricket posted a photo on their Twitter handle in which Williamson can be seen hugging Roach. As soon as the photo was posted, many users commented as to how Williamson needs to be appreciated for how he approaches the 'Gentleman's Game'. Both New Zealand and West Indies players also wore black armbands on the opening day in honour of Roach's father.

"On behalf of CWI and the West Indies cricket team, I offer condolences to Kemar and his family back home. Losing a loved one is never easy and we want to offer our full support to Kemar during this very difficult time. We got the news as we prepared for the Test match here and the players and team support staff all got together and offered tremendous support," Windies team manager Rawl Lewis said in an official release. Half-centuries from Tom Latham and skipper Kane Williamson proved crucial for New Zealand as they kept the West Indies bowlers at bay on the opening day of the first Test here at Seddon Park on Thursday. At stumps, New Zealand's score read 243/2 with Williamson and Ross Taylor at the crease. While the skipper was unbeaten on 97, giving him company was senior campaigner Taylor on 31.

Skipper Williamson also completed 1,000 Test runs at Seddon Park. He joined Taylor as the only cricketers with 1,000 or more runs at the venue. (ANI)

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