Criticism will help NZ build character - Williamson

Kane Williamson, the young New Zealand batsman, has said that the public criticism that New Zealand have faced for their recent lean run will help them come out stronger in the end. New Zealand have lost 14 of their previous 16 one-dayers, and their last series 2-3 to Pakistan at home. "[It] does add a little bit of pressure, and it's probably a real character builder," Williamson told 3 News. "I'm sure we will come out the back of it and be stronger for it."

Williamson was on his way to India to join his side for the World Cup, after having been advised to stay back for a couple of days for a chest infection. "It all happened pretty suddenly, I thought I was fine. I felt ok, had a bit of a cough and went to the doctors as a last minute thing because I was told to. He recommended I stay home."

Despite his potential, Williamson has still not been able to cement a position in the middle order, and said that he would come to know about his role when he reached India. "I haven't had a lot of contact with the side just yet, they're just settling in, I look forward to hearing my role when I get there."

He was confident that New Zealand had worked out the strengths and weaknesses of their opposition going in to the World Cup. "Every time you go into a series or a match, there's key figures that you look to target or break down, that's certainly been done prior to now."

Williamson has made 253 runs from 11 one-dayers at an average of 25.30, including a maiden century against Bangladesh.