Black Caps v England: How Henry Nicholls replaced New Zealand’s greatest batter, twice

The Oval century wasn’t filled with flashy shots, expansive drives or clearing the boundary. Instead, England were subject to a dogged showing that offered them next to nothing, and slowly but surely batted them out of the game.

As far as he’s concerned, though, filling the shoes of the greatest to ever do it was never the objective, as he more than took the chance to make the Black Caps’ No 3 spot his own, his way.

“People talk about coming in to replace Kane, someone who I’ve played most of my career with, his record speaks for itself,” Nicholls told the Herald. “I certainly knew that no one was going to replace Kane.

“I was trying to lean on the experience of 50-odd tests and try to do my role as best I could, and enjoy being back playing test cricket for New Zealand. It’s always been the pinnacle for me.

“What the group’s been doing in the last while was fun for me to try to come and add my own style to it, and contribute along the way.

“The whole tour was such a squad effort – I’m not sure how many players were used, but I feel like everyone ended up playing. It’s a true testament to everyone on that tour, the preparation and commitment to step up at different times. To lead to a series victory makes it all worth it.”

That wasn’t the first time Nicholls had filled the shoes of one of the Black Caps’ greatest with immediate success, either. In 2022, after Ross Taylor’s retirement, Nicholls took his place at No 4 and scored 105 in a huge innings and 276-run win over South Africa in Christchurch.

For all the focus given previously to Williamson and Taylor as the side’s premier batters, Nicholls has always been the man to knuckle down and do the job required of him, as a key part of the side that won the inaugural World Test Championship in 2021.

Now, with 11 test centuries, Nicholls’ tally has him clear of the likes of Stephen Fleming and Nathan Astle, in far fewer tests. And yet, a form slump at the end of 2023 coincided with the rise and rise of Rachin Ravindra, which left Nicholls on the outer for the better part of two years.

Asked to dominate domestic cricket for Canterbury, Nicholls did just that – with 870 runs at 96.66 – before Williamson’s exit opened the door for his return.

To his credit, Nicholls never thought that he’d worn whites for the last time.

“When you get left out it’s obviously disappointing,” he explained. “But for me, it was about leaning on why I play cricket. Obviously you want to score runs, but it wasn’t a focus to go out and prove anyone wrong.

“It was about enjoying being part of the Canterbury team, and to contribute along the way. How it worked out was how it worked out.

“If it hadn’t, and I’d gone about it the same way, I’d be as content as I could have been. That’s what I’ve been most proud of over the last couple of years, that I’ve managed to keep enjoying cricket.”

Having sewn up No 3 to replace Williamson in tests, though, the same question in 50-over cricket needs to be answered.

The modern nature of One-Day Internationals has seen the Black Caps build more than enough depth in the top order over the last three years, with New Zealand’s best XI rarely all available at the same time.

But with the 2027 World Cup now just 15 months away, the race is on for players to put their hands up in Williamson’s spot.

While Ravindra and Devon Conway appear to have the opening slots sewn up, competition for No 3 will put Nicholls up against the likes of Will Young and Nick Kelly.

And as the Black Caps’ road to the World Cup begins with a five-match ODI series in the West Indies this week, players’ chances to take their opportunities will take on a different meaning.

“We’ve probably seen in the last few years, the bilateral series, the teams and squads we’ve had have looked a bit different to what we’d have for the Champions Trophy or World Cup,” Nicholls said.

“As we get closer to the 2027 World Cup, everyone wants to be part of it. There are opportunities you have in these sorts of series, and you want to take them.

“There’s quite a few guys who aren’t part of this series as well, who are well-established within that one day team.

“Five matches is a lot, so there will be different opportunities for us to put our hands up. Ultimately, the chance to win a game and series for New Zealand over here is exciting.”

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