Translated from the Maori, it means “peaceful waters”. Four miles from the Bay Oval, which becomes New Zealand’s ninth Test venue this week, is Otumoetai, a suburb of Tauranga where Kane Williamson, New Zealand’s 29-year old captain, grew up and learnt the game. “Peaceful waters” is an apt place from which to have emerged for this most unassuming of cricketers because, more than most, he seems at ease with himself, and, like a river, the runs just keep flowing.

During the Ashes, England were stymied by the return of a great batsman and they will want to avoid a repeat against New Zealand now that Williamson has been passed fit to resume playing. Unlike Steve Smith’s, Williamson’s absence of late has been of a more