New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson on Thursday (March 26) hailed his country’s doctors and healthcare workers who are on the forefront to battle the Coronavirus pandemic, which has claimed more than 21,000 lives and infected over 472,000 people globally.

See Also: ‘We just have to be patient, it will pass’: Sourav Ganguly on COVID-19 pandemic

As per Williamson, doctors, nurses and caregivers are the people who truly understand what it means to perform under pressure – a term often used in sports.

“Events of the past few days have made it clear we’re living through a health crisis the likes of which we’ve never seen. There will no doubt be times in the coming days when the scale of what we’re facing will seem overwhelming,” he wrote in a column for ‘New Zealand Herald’.

“We’re so grateful you have our backs. People talk about the pressure sportsmen and women are under to perform, but the truth is we get to do something we love every day for a living. We play games,” the Black Caps captain noted.

“Real pressure is working to save lives. Real pressure is going into work each day while putting your own personal safety on the line for the good of others,” he further remarked.

In New Zealand, around 260 confirmed COVID-19 cases have been reported while there is no loss of life as of March 26.

Williamson, who is admired by everyone for his graceful demeanour on and off the field, said he wants his country’s health workers to always know that the entire nation is firmly standing by them in this crisis.

“It’s an enormous responsibility that can only be carried out by the best kind of people: those who put the greater good ahead of all else. As Black Caps, we know how amazing it feels to have the support of a country behind you.”

“In that same vein, we need you to know you’re not alone. We want you to know that there’s a whole country behind you. We will get through this and you are a big reason why,” he said.