New Zealand’s charismatic batter, Kane Williamson has decided to hang his boots as the captain of the Black Caps side in Test cricket. Williamson, who has played 88 Tests for the Black Caps, will continue to lead New Zealand in the ODIs and T20Is. Senior pacer Tim Southee will become the captain of New Zealand in Test cricket, New Zealand Cricket confirmed on Thursday.

Kane Williamson masterminded New Zealand’s memorable title triumph in the inaugural edition of the ICC World Test Championship. Though he will no longer be leading the Test team, the senior batter has expressed his desire to play all formats for the Kiwis. While speed merchant Southee will be replacing Williamson as New Zealand’s Test captain, opener Tom Latham has been appointed as his deputy in the oldest format of the game.

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As per the reports from New Zealand cricket, Kane Williamson said, “Captaining the BLACKCAPS in Test cricket has been an incredibly special honor. 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.”

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

— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) December 14, 2022

One of the finest leaders in the modern era of the game, Kane Williamson captained New Zealand in 38 Tests. Under his leadership, the ICC Test Championship holders won 22 matches, registered 8 draws, and suffered losses in 10 matches. Williamson amassed 7,368 runs and the premier batter has a noteworthy average of 52. 62 in the longest format of the game.

The 32-year-old batter has amassed as many as 24 centuries and 33 half-centuries for the Black Caps in 88 Test matches. Williamson made his Test debut for New Zealand against Team India at the Narendra Modi Stadium back in 2010.

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Elaborating the same, Kane Williamson said, “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. 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.”