New Zealand will see the remainder of their World Test Championship campaign under a new captain, with Kane Williamson handing over responsibilities to Tim Southee.
Cricket New Zealand made the announcement that Williamson would step down on Thursday morning, ahead of the Test team’s tour of Pakistan.
Tom Latham will replace Southee, and Williamson will remain as specialist hitter.
Williamson is statistically the best Test captain in New Zealand history, winning 22 of 40 matches in charge, as well as drawing eight and losing just 10.
He led the team to the inaugural World Test Championship title in 2021, defeating India in the final in Southampton.
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The day New Zealand became WTC21 champion
“To captain the Black Caps in Test Cricket has been an incredibly special honour,” Williamson reflected on his resignation.
“For me Test Cricket is the pinnacle of the game and I have enjoyed the challenges of leading the team in the format.”
Williamson will remain captain in both white ball formats for New Zealand, with a focus on a Cricket World Cup campaign in 2023 and a T20 World Cup in 2024.
“The captaincy comes with an increased workload on and off the pitch and at this stage in my career I feel the time is right to make this decision,” Williamson said of the decision.
“After discussions with NZC, He felt that continuing to captain the cue ball formats was preferable with two World Cups in the next two years.”
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Behind ‘world class’ leader Kane Williamson | T20WC 2022
Kane Williamson and his teammates give insight into what makes the New Zealand skipper such a standout player during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022.
New Zealand’s kit for Pakistan’s test tour was finalized later on Thursday, and Southee he said it was humbling to be asked to lead the team on tour and beyond.
“It’s been a surreal few days and it’s a great honor to be named event captain,” said Southee.
“I love Test cricket, it is the ultimate challenge and I am very excited for the opportunity to lead the team in this format.
“Kane has been an exceptional test captain and I’m looking forward to working with Gary on how we can build on that.”
Williamson said Southee and Latham will look to him as a source of help during his tenure.
“I’m excited to support Tim as captain and Tom as vice-captain,” added Williamson.
“Having played both for most of my career, I’m sure they’ll do a great job.”
The first test in Pakistan starts on December 26.
