New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson has once again won over the cricket fans with his classy gesture for West Indies pacer Kemar Roach before the start of the ongoing first Test in Hamilton. Roach was preparing for the ongoing Test at Seddon Park when he received the news of his father, Andrew Smith, passing away.

West Indies is in New Zealand for the T20I and the Test series. The three-match T20I series recently ended with New Zealand whitewashing the visitors. Roach was not a part of the T20I team and will be looking to make his mark in the longest format of the game. A fine performance will perhaps be the best tribute to his father.

“On behalf of CWI and the West Indies cricket team, I offer condolences to Kemar and his family back home,” West Indies team manager Rawl Lewis said in a statement.

“Losing a loved one is never easy, and we want to offer our full support to Kemar during this very difficult time. We got the news as we prepared for the Test match here, and the players and team support staff all got together and offered tremendous support,” he added.

Players from both teams donned black armbands to honor Roach’s father. Roach was also seen paying a heartwarming tribute to his father during the match. The fast-bowler dropped to his knees after dismissing New Zealand opener Tom Latham as he remembered his late father during the emotional and moving scene.

Kane Williamson’s classy gesture for Kemar Roach

Before the start of the match on Thursday, Kane Williamson came up with a brilliant gesture and personally walked up to Kemar Roach to embrace him. The image of the New Zealand captain hugging the West Indies pacer has gone viral on social media as the cricketing fraternity has once again lauded Williamson for his character.

Kemar Roach, who lost his father recently, is embraced by Kane Williamson before the start of the Hamilton Test ❤️ https://t.co/jwO5viXjZl #NZvWI pic.twitter.com/rK8qR6Q4up

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) December 3, 2020

Talking about the match, New Zealand have put themselves in the driver’s seat after a solid display with the bat on day one. At stumps, the hosts were on 243 for 2. Williamson was not out on 97 while veteran Ross Taylor was giving him company on 31.