Williamson steps down as New Zealand Test captain

PHOTO: Kane Williamson captained New Zealand in 40 Tests – 22 wins, 10 losses and eight draws – and led the team to victory over India in the first Test World Cup final in 2021. Photo: Alex Davidson/Getty Images

Kane Williamson has stepped down as New Zealand Test captain and has been replaced by Tim Southee, the country’s cricket board (NZC) announced on Thursday.

After taking charge in 2016, Williamson captained New Zealand in 40 Tests – with 22 wins, 10 losses and eight draws – and led the team to victory over India in the final of the first Test World Cup in 2021.

“For me, Test cricket is the pinnacle of the game and I’ve enjoyed the challenges of leading a team,” Williamson said.

“The role of captain comes with an increased workload on and off the pitch and at this stage in my career I feel the time is right for this decision.”

Williamson remains New Zealand’s white-ball captain and said he will continue to play in all three formats.

Southee, who captained 22 Twenty20 Internationals from 2017-21, will lead the Test team in their next assignment – a two-match series in Pakistan starting later this month.

“It’s been a surreal few days and it’s just a huge honor to be named Test captain,” Southee said.

“I love Test cricket, it’s the ultimate challenge and I’m really excited about the opportunity to lead the team in this format.”