Hadlee backs world class Williamson to climb NZ's greatest heights
In 2015, New Zealand legend Martin Crowe forecasted Williamson would go on to become the nation's best ever batsman. It was particularly high praise given Crowe was firmly New Zealand's greatest ever batsman at that stage.
Six years on and Williamson sits atop theICC Test batting rankings and is set to captain New Zealand in an ICC final for the second time in the space of two years.
Hadlee, a close friend and teammate of Crowe, believes the late great had it right in 2015.
"Martin Crowe was a great player and thinker of the game," Hadlee said. "He was the best New Zealand batsman in my time – a touch of class.
"Greatness is a word that is often misused or overused. No one becomes a great player in just a few years. Players need to perform and excel against the best opposition in different conditions all over the world over an extended period of time. There are many average players, some good players, some very good ones, but greatness is earned from your peers and astute judges of the game and is bestowed on only a few.
"Martin’s assessment of Kane is absolutely right. Kane has earned his stripes to be recognized as a great player now and in all formats of the game. By the time he ends his career, he will have all the New Zealand batting records for most runs scored, most hundreds and a world-class batting average."
Still only 30 years old, Williamson already boasts the record for the most Test centuries by a New Zealand batter - his 24 Test tons are five more than second-placed Ross Taylor - and he is closing in on a raft of other records.
His 7115 Test runs at 54.31 are the third most by a New Zealander and he only trails veteran teammate Taylor (1st with 7379) by 264 runs. Among New Zealanders to have played 20 innings, he is the only one to boast an average better than 50. In men's ODI cricket he is the country's fifth-greatest run-scorer (6927) and sits fourth for centuries with 13.
Hadlee believes Williamson's understanding of his own game is what sets him apart from so many.
"Kane has worked on his game and handles pressure extremely well – his temperament is outstanding - he knows his limitations and thrives on his strengths. He keeps his batting game simple, and he has a proven method that is effective. He collects his runs and then he can use his power game by playing proper and at times innovative cricket shots."
The former all-rounder went on to praise the Black Caps skipper for his continual evolution.
"Through one-day cricket he has expanded his shot selection capabilities – there does not appear to be any obvious weaknesses in his game. His leadership has also grown – his body language suggests he is calm and in control of what he is doing, and his personality appears to be unflappable and consistent. He is a student of the game and has a very good understanding of how he can get the best out of himself and his players.
"As for any captain, tactics and strategies employed will evolve from game to game, format to format and what the match situation demands. He is doing a fine job in leading New Zealand in that role."