Former New Zealand captain Kane Williamson will play no further part in the Test series against England after retiring from all international cricket with immediate effect.
Williamson brings an end to a 16-year career marked by numerous accolades, including captaining his side to victory in the inaugural ICC World Test Championship in 2021.
The 35-year-old batter made his Test debut against India national cricket team in November 2010 in Ahmedabad and went on to play 110 Tests, scoring 9,515 runs at an average of 54.06. He is New Zealand’s all-time leading international run-scorer, with 19,346 runs across all formats, including 48 centuries and six double-centuries.
“I’ve always felt a strong drive and hunger for international cricket, and I take pride in knowing I’ve given it my all in every match I’ve played for New Zealand,” Williamson said in a statement. “Continuing with anything less wouldn’t be right, and I feel fortunate to step away on my own terms. I leave feeling optimistic about where this group is heading. There’s a huge amount of talent and a real desire to do something special with this New Zealand team,” he added.
Williamson led the New Zealand national cricket team across formats between 2016 and 2024. He captained the Test side in 40 matches, including the 2021 World Test Championship final against India.
He won 22 Tests and scored 11 centuries as captain before stepping down from the role in 2022. Williamson’s list of accolades includes being named the International Cricket Council Cricketer of the Year in 2015 and ICC Test Player of the Year in 2019. He also won the Sir Richard Hadlee Medal for New Zealand’s best performer on a record four occasions.
New Zealand coach Rob Walter paid tribute, saying: “Anyone who’s had the privilege of working with Kane understands he is a very special player and person. Kane has always put the team first, and although we’re disappointed to see him go, we’re happy to know he is content and at peace with his decision. He’s an incredible player, an awesome teammate, a wonderful leader, and a fantastic ambassador for our sport.” (The Guardian)
