The Crossbill Sports Desk
A chapter in New Zealand cricket came to an end on Friday (June 12) as Kane Williamson announced his immediate retirement from international cricket, ending an illustrious career that stretched across nearly 16 years and 378 matches in all formats.
The 35-year-old's final appearance for the Black Caps came in the opening Test against England at Lord's, after which he opted not to continue with the remainder of the series.
Williamson's departure comes with New Zealand trailing 1-0 in the ongoing Test tour of England. New Zealand Cricket confirmed that the veteran batter would take no further part in the series.
"I've thought about it for a while, but over the last few days it's become clear now is the right time," Williamson said in a statement released by New Zealand Cricket.
"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.
"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.
"It's a team I love, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have been part of it for so long. It will continue to be dear to my heart."
Head coach Rob Walter paid tribute to the former captain and acknowledged the decision. "Kane's always put the team first and although we're disappointed to see him go, we're happy to know he's content and at peace with his decision. An incredible player, awesome teammate, a wonderful leader and a fantastic ambassador for our sport," Walter said.
Williamson made an immediate impression after arriving on the international stage, scoring a century on his Test debut against India in Ahmedabad in November 2010, just months after making his ODI debut against the same opposition. He retires as New Zealand's leading run-scorer across formats with 19,346 runs and 48 international hundreds.
In Test cricket, he amassed 9,515 runs in 110 matches at an average of 54.06, including 33 centuries and 38 fifties. His ODI career yielded 7,256 runs from 175 matches at an average of 48.69, with 15 centuries and 47 half-centuries. His retirement also means he will miss next year's ODI World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
As captain, Williamson led New Zealand in 40 Tests, 91 ODIs and 75 T20Is, guiding the side to the finals of the 2019 ODI World Cup and the 2021 T20 World Cup. His crowning achievement came in the inaugural World Test Championship final in Southampton in 2021, when his unbeaten 52 helped New Zealand defeat India and lift the title.
Williamson leaves the international arena as New Zealand's sixth-most capped men's cricketer, a four-time recipient of the Sir Richard Hadlee Medal and the ICC Men's Test Player of the Year for 2019. With the second Test against England set to begin at The Oval on June 17, New Zealand are expected to announce a replacement for the remainder of the tour in the coming days.
The 35-year-old's final appearance for the Black Caps came in the opening Test against England at Lord's, after which he opted not to continue with the remainder of the series.
Williamson's departure comes with New Zealand trailing 1-0 in the ongoing Test tour of England. New Zealand Cricket confirmed that the veteran batter would take no further part in the series.
"I've thought about it for a while, but over the last few days it's become clear now is the right time," Williamson said in a statement released by New Zealand Cricket.
"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.
"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.
"It's a team I love, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have been part of it for so long. It will continue to be dear to my heart."
Head coach Rob Walter paid tribute to the former captain and acknowledged the decision. "Kane's always put the team first and although we're disappointed to see him go, we're happy to know he's content and at peace with his decision. An incredible player, awesome teammate, a wonderful leader and a fantastic ambassador for our sport," Walter said.
Williamson made an immediate impression after arriving on the international stage, scoring a century on his Test debut against India in Ahmedabad in November 2010, just months after making his ODI debut against the same opposition. He retires as New Zealand's leading run-scorer across formats with 19,346 runs and 48 international hundreds.
In Test cricket, he amassed 9,515 runs in 110 matches at an average of 54.06, including 33 centuries and 38 fifties. His ODI career yielded 7,256 runs from 175 matches at an average of 48.69, with 15 centuries and 47 half-centuries. His retirement also means he will miss next year's ODI World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
As captain, Williamson led New Zealand in 40 Tests, 91 ODIs and 75 T20Is, guiding the side to the finals of the 2019 ODI World Cup and the 2021 T20 World Cup. His crowning achievement came in the inaugural World Test Championship final in Southampton in 2021, when his unbeaten 52 helped New Zealand defeat India and lift the title.
Williamson leaves the international arena as New Zealand's sixth-most capped men's cricketer, a four-time recipient of the Sir Richard Hadlee Medal and the ICC Men's Test Player of the Year for 2019. With the second Test against England set to begin at The Oval on June 17, New Zealand are expected to announce a replacement for the remainder of the tour in the coming days.
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