It is all about trying to familiarise yourself with the format: Williamson

New Zealand are back on a very familiar run, where they play six red-ball games in just two months after not having played a single Test for a long time. The Blackcaps take on Afghanistan in Greater Noida in the one-off Test starting September 9 (Monday). 

Ahead of the Test, New Zealand’s former skipper Kane Williamson insisted that the BlackCaps don’t usually get such volume of Test cricket. 

"You know such a volume of Test cricket that we don't usually get, and obviously in this part of the world," Williamson said, reported ESPNCricinfo. 

So, what do they have to do in such a situation? According to Williamson, the trick is about ‘trying to adjust their game’ with respect to the conditions that are presented in front of them. 

"I think it's absolutely about trying to adjust your game because we're not here consistently in this format. We go through quite long intervals of not playing here,” Williamson added. 

“So you know it is trying to sort of familiarise yourself again and for us, our last Test match was sort of six or eight months ago. So you know, as a team it's really connecting with that again as a red-ball group and looking to apply our skills, our plans as well as we can."

New Zealand find themselves third on the World Test Championship (WTC) table, with 50 PCT, behind leaders India (68.52) and Australia (62.50). The next six Tests realistically present them a wonderful chance to leapfrog Australia to that second spot, with an eye on the WTC final. 

"In some ways it's like tournament sport, isn't it?" Williamson said. "Even though it's over a longer period of time in the Test Championship, but the value of games is high. The context around Test cricket with the Test Championship is really key and it's brought out a lot of really exciting games. And so naturally having six Test matches together is a big part of our Test Championship calendar and one that we're excited about."

On a personal level, the upcoming six Tests could be very vital for Williamson, who has kind of found himself away from the limelight after dominating the red-ball game for the longest time. Williamson’s record in India, too, is a big concern and a working point, starting with the Test against Afghanistan. 

"It's really important that we look to grow as a unit. It's nice and clear on how we want to play over here. We always know that it's a tough challenge whenever you play in these parts of the world, slightly different from back home. But you know always a great experience and playing against a really, really strong side."

If you’ve not downloaded the Cricket.com app yet, you’re missing out — big time. Play Fantasy on Cricket.com NOW! Download the App here.