Williamson: "It's a fantastic atmosphere at Edgbaston"

A mouth-watering match is in prospect from June 10-14 as the Black Caps, number one side in the world in Test cricket, prepare to take an England side which, under Joe Root, have their eyes very much on taking over that top spot.

New Zealand have an array of high-class batsmen, but Williamson will be the top scalp for Root's men. And the Kiwi ace knows from experience that, as well as England's bowlers, his side will also have to deal with the world-renowned passion of the Edgbaston crowd.

"It's a fantastic atmosphere at Edgbaston," Williamson said. "We have played some great games there over the years and it is a very special place.

Williamson: "It's a fantastic atmosphere at Edgbaston" - Image 1

After all the difficulties of the last year, the 2021 season in England is being looked forward to perhaps more than any other. For cricket-lovers in the Midlands, the late arrival in the calendar of an Edgbaston Test between arguably the best two sides in the world is the icing on the cake.

New Zealand will arrive on a roll and at the highest point in their history - and Williamson insists they will not be sitting on their laurels. They intend to stay strong.

"This is a very exciting time for New Zealand cricket," he said. "You try to put in strong performances and if that is reflected in the rankings then great, but this is not a time to dwell on that. It's a time to grow and try to improve further.

"We know when we play England it is always extremely tough, and in their back yard it is an added challenge. We will prepare as well as we can and we know it will be a really exciting series."