After months of uncertainty over his playing future, Kane Williamson confirmed his retirement from T20 internationals. However, he reiterated his commitment to playing Test cricket for New Zealand, beginning with their three-match series against the West Indies in December.
Since making his New Zealand debut in October 2011, the 35-year-old Williamson has appeared in 93 Twenty20 Internationals. But in the beginning of the month, he chose not to play in their three-match series against Australia, and he missed the team’s 1-0 loss to England due to a groin ailment.
He made his first appearances for New Zealand since the Champions Trophy final against India in March, returning to action for this week’s 3-0 ODI series victory over the same opponents. However, he had previously warned NZC about his shifting priorities, citing the “delicate balance” between spending time with his young family and dedicating himself to the team he has played for for 15 years.
Only a few months before the upcoming T20 World Cup in February in India and Sri Lanka, he has decided to end the shortest format. With 2,575 runs at an average of 33.44, 18 fifties, and a best score of 95, he leaves the game as New Zealand’s second-greatest run scorer. He captained the squad in 75 of his games, including one losing final in 2021 and semi-final appearances in the T20 World Cup in 2016 and 2022.
“It’s something that I’ve loved being a part of for a long period of time and I’m so grateful for the memories and experiences,” Kane Williamson stated. “For the team and myself, now is the ideal moment. It provides the team with clarity for the remainder of the series and for their next big focus, the T20 World Cup.
“There’s so much T20 talent there and the next period will be important to get cricket into these guys and get them ready for the World Cup.”
“You get to different life positions and the game does require a lot and demand a lot,” stated Rob Walter, the head coach of New Zealand. Kane’s decision to withdraw from T20 internationals was therefore understandable. Additionally, our main attention will now be on the Test series at the conclusion of the year.
“I don’t think you can underestimate [his] value in all aspects,” said Walter. Performance is one thing, of course, but I believe it’s the least valuable contribution he makes to the squad. A great team player.
“He serves as a genuine sounding board for the team’s guys. He’s had a lot of experiences. In the World Cup finals, he has performed brilliantly under duress. Despite the fact that the squad clearly loses, there is a full package there that respects his choice.
Rachin Ravindra had taken over Kane Williamson No. 3 spot in the T20I team, while players like Tim Seifert, Tim Robinson, and Mark Chapman were vying for regular spots. Williamson had previously given Mitchell Santner the white-ball captaincy.
“Mitch is a brilliant captain and leader – he’s really come into his own with this team,” Kane Williamson stated. “Having played for a long time and performed exceptionally well, he truly has a great grasp of the game and this format. Now that he is in charge, he is thrilled about the chance. It will be interesting to see him. Now is their moment to advance the Black Caps in this style, and I will be cheering them on from a distance.”
In order to prepare for the first Test match against the West Indies, which starts at Christchurch on December 2, NZC said in a statement that Williamson would likely miss the forthcoming ODIs against the West Indies. His next competitive match would be for Northern Districts against Auckland in the Plunket Shield, beginning November 26.
“I’ve got such deep care for this team,” Kane Williamson remarked. “The Black Caps is a unique spot where you want to dedicate yourself and give it your all. I enjoy the worldwide game and this setting since it’s a trip and a pursuit.
“I’ll continue to keep the lines of communication open with Rob [Walter] and NZC who have given me a huge amount of support throughout.”
NZC CEO Scott Weenink praised Kane Williamson services to the T20I team and expressed respect for his choice.
“Kane Williamson performances as a player and his service as captain of the T20 side have been nothing short of immense,” he stated.
“His runs in all weather situations around the world demonstrate his status as a world-class batsman, and his leadership effect both on and off the field is as impressive.
“Even though it was a losing effort, his knock of 85 in the 2021 T20 World Cup final was one of the more memorable T20I innings ever played by a New Zealander. Under Kane’s leadership, the T20 team was very successful and consistent, and he undoubtedly leaves the team in good condition.
Weenink maintained that he had earned the right to choose how he concluded his ODI and Test careers, despite Kane Williamson admission last week that his continued participation with New Zealand would necessitate a continuous conversation with Walter and the board.
“We’ve made it clear to Kane Williamson he has our full support as he reaches the back end of his illustrious career,” he stated. Naturally, we would want to see him play for as long as possible, but when he does decide to retire, he will undoubtedly be remembered as a New Zealand cricket great.
“With Kane Williamson committed to play the West Indies Test series in December, I’d encourage all Kiwis to take the opportunity to get out and witness one of our greatest ever cricketers play.”
After playing for London Spirit and Middlesex for a large portion of the English summer, he will continue to play T20 franchise cricket.
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