Kane Williamson steps down as New Zealand Test captain, Tim Southee to interchange him

Kane Williamson will step down as captain of the New Zealand Test aspect, a New Zealand Cricket launch mentioned on Wednesday night time. Pacer Tim Southee will take up the management mantle, the discharge said.

However, Williamson will proceed to guide the Kiwis in ODI and T20I cricket and has reiterated his want to play all three codecs internationally. “Captaining New Zealand in Test cricket has been an incredibly special honour,” Williamson mentioned.

“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. After discussions with NZC, we felt that continuing to captain the white-ball formats was preferable with two World Cups in the next two years,” he added.

Kane Williamson will step down as captain of the BLACKCAPS Test aspect, with Tim Southee to take up the management mantle. Tom Latham has been confirmed as Test vice-captain, after beforehand main the aspect in Williamson’s absence. #CricketNation https://t.co/D9rPWUl05d

— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) December 14, 2022

Southee, who has 346 internationals to his identify and has led the T20 aspect on 22 events, will turn out to be New Zealand’s thirty first Test captain when he leads the workforce on this month’s Test tour to Pakistan.

Canterbury opener Tom Latham has been confirmed as Test vice-captain, after beforehand main the aspect in Williamson’s absence.

“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 New Zealand and contributing in all three formats is my number one priority and I’m looking forward to the cricket we have ahead,” Williamson mentioned.

Williamson has captained the Test workforce on 38 events (22 wins, 8 attracts, 10 losses) since assuming the position from Brendon McCullum in 2016.

Southee, the present Sir Richard Hadlee Medal winner, mentioned it was humbling to be requested to guide the Test aspect.

“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. Kane’s been an outstanding Test captain and I’m looking forward to working with Gary on how we can build on that,” the pacer mentioned.

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Southee’s first problem as captain will come towards Pakistan with whom the BlackCaps will play two Tests in Karachi and Multan in December/January.