If Williamson was an Indian, he would probably be an ideal replacement for Rahane: Panesar

Monty Panesar, the former England cricketer, said that Kane Williamson would have been an apt replacement for Ajinkya Rahane if he was an Indian. Earlier, Michael Vaughan, another retired Brits cricketer, once said that Kane, the ICC’s no.1 ranked Test batter, would have been the greatest cricketer in the world if he was an Indian.

However, Panesar had different views as he reckoned that Kane brings in a lot of calmness with Rahane, India’s Test vice-captain doing the same for his team. As per Panesar, Kohli rules the roost in ODI cricket, but Kane has shown efficiency in all three formats. The veteran also drew comparisons among Kane, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.

Kane Williamson plays equally well in all three formats: Panesar

“I think both are extremely good. Both can steady the team in any situation. If you look at T20Is and ODIs, Virat Kohli is the best chaser. But Kane Williamson plays equally well in all three formats. I think his level is above Rohit Sharma but a little below Virat Kohli.”

“If Kane was an Indian, he would probably be an ideal replacement for Ajinkya Rahane in the Test batting line-up,” Panesar was quoted as saying in Sports Yaari.

Panesar also backed India to win the five-match Test series in England 5-0. The retired spinner stated that Kohli and Co may have the playing conditions in their favour due to which they may end up having the upper hand.

“The first factor is that the matches will start in August, which has the warmest weather in the year. The second factor is that there are five Test matches taking place in a short span of time and India play well when they have the momentum,” he added.

The Test series gets underway on August 4 with the opening Test at the Trent Bridge in Nottingham. The Lord’s in London, Headingley in Leeds, Kennington Oval in London, and Old Trafford in Manchester are the hosts for the other four matches on the tour.

Prior to the high-profile series, India are also set to lock horns with New Zealand in the final of the World Test Championship to start on June 16 at the Rose Bowl in Southampton.