New Zealand Announce new Test Captain as Kane Williamson Steps Down

New Zealand Cricket (NZC), on Thursday (December 15) said Kane Williamson stepped down as their Test captain and senior fast bowler Tim Southee would lead the team in the longest format of the game.

Tom Latham has been named the vice-captain in Test cricket while Williamson will continue to lead New Zealand in the other two formats.

Kane Williamson stated that he took the call, considering his workload management and had a discussion with the NZC. Tim Southee will become New Zealand’s 31st Test captain and the fast bowler will lead the side to their upcoming tour of Pakistan, which includes 2 Tests and 3 ODIs.

Williamson took over the captaincy reins from Brendon McCullum in 2016 and led New Zealand in 40 Tests. He led Zealand to 22 Test wins and lost ten while eight games were drawn. He averaged 57 and scored 11 centuries as captain.

“Captaining the BLACKCAPS in Test cricket has been an incredibly special honour. For me, Test cricket is the pinnacle of the game, and I’ve enjoyed the challenges of leading the side in the format. Captaincy comes with an increased workload on and off the field, and at this stage of my career, I feel the time is right for this decision,” said Williamson in an official statement.

“I’m excited to support Tim as captain and Tom as vice-captain. Having played with both of them for most of my career, I’m confident they’ll do a great job. Playing for the BLACKCAPS and contributing in all three formats is my number one priority, and I’m looking forward to the cricket we have ahead,” he added.

Meanwhile, Southee has played 346 international matches and has led New Zealand in 22. Expressing delight on being appointed as the captain of Black Caps, here’s what Southee said:

“It’s been a surreal few days and it’s just a massive honour to be appointed as Test captain. I love Test cricket, it’s the ultimate challenge and I’m really excited by the opportunity to lead the team in this format.”