Kane Williamson is the world's number one batsman right now, but what he brings to the Black Caps is worth far more than runs on the board.

It's virtually impossible to compare two cricketers from different decades when one was a bowler and the other is a batsman. But we're going to ask the question anyway - Williamson or Hadlee as our best ever?

Is Kane Williamson our greatest ever cricketer - better even than the great Sir Richard Hadlee?

He's the clear number one batsman in the world right now. His 31 test centuries for New Zealand stand well clear of the next-best figures, with Ross Taylor trailing with 19. It's rare for him to drop a catch and his technical knowledge is outstanding.

He's universally loved for his sportsmanship and humble attitude, and he's captained the Black Caps through some incredible victories, including the inaugural ICC World Test Championship in 2021, before stepping back from the top job for test matches to concentrate on his game.

But you can't compare batters and bowlers from two different era... can you?

Today on The Detail we give it a shot, talking to two experts about where Williamson sits in the pantheon of great players, and what makes him so special.

One of those experts is Black Caps coach Gary Stead.

"There's absolutely no doubt in my mind that he's one of the greats of New Zealand cricket, and possibly one of the greats in the world," Stead says.

"He's a very, very humble man, certainly doesn't talk about himself at all... he's a wonderful human being, he's got a real caring nature for others but he's also got an incredible competitive streak in him as well."

Stead says in India, where cricket is like a religion, Williamson is treated like a god.

"We have security details that are with us that at times are advising not to go outside the hotel, because of the fanfare and things like that. I think that can be difficult for guys and it's probably a part (of the game) that's not always seen. It's pretty tough I think for Kane to walk anywhere in the world and not be recognised now, and have selfies taken, but I think a mark of the man is he smiles, he has a selfie and hopefully makes people's days."

The Herald and NewstalkZB's cricket expert Andrew Alderson is our other expert, jokingly saying he has a PhD in Kane Williamson.

"His record stands up under scrutiny whichever way you want to look at it, not to mention his attitude to the game. He's going to be remembered for generations to come," he says. …

Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details