Kane Williamson Announces Retirement From International Cricket

Kane Williamson [Source: AFP]

In a significant development, New Zealand legend Kane Williamson announced his retirement from international cricket. New Zealand Cricket confirmed the development through an official press release on Friday, June 12. 

Kane Williamson's retirement comes as a massive setback for the BlackCaps as they prepare for the second Test against England. 

The talismanic cricketer registered two consecutive failures in the first Test at Lord's, and with age catching him up, Williamson decided to hang up his boots from international cricket. 

Kane Williamson confirms retirement from international cricket

Known for stoic technique and elegant stroke-play, Kane Williamson is one of the finest cricketers to have represented New Zealand in international cricket. 

He was an integral member of the 'Fab four', a term coined by the legendary Martin Crowe to keep the decorated quartet of Virat Kohli, Steve Smith, Williamson and Joe Root in the same bracket of elite modern-day batters. 

However, Williamson's career was marred by frequent injury setbacks, keeping him on the sidelines and adversely affecting his performance, especially in the last few years. 

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So, speaking on his retirement, Kane Williamson reckoned that it would be dishonest on his part if he continued representing New Zealand despite knowing that he hadn't been at his best for quite a while now. 

“I’ve thought about it for a while, but over the last few days it’s become clear now is the right time. I’ve always felt a strong drive and hunger for international cricket, and I take pride in knowing I’ve given it my all in every match I’ve played for New Zealand," Williamson was quoted as saying by NZC. 

“Continuing with anything less wouldn’t be right and I feel fortunate to step away on my own terms. I leave feeling optimistic about where this group is heading. There’s a huge amount of talent, and a real desire to do something special with this New Zealand team. It’s a team I love, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have been part of it for so long. It will continue to be dear to my heart," he added. 

Kane Williamson's illustrious international career at a glance

(Kane Williamson's career span in international cricket)

Hailed as one of the most promising players in the domestic circuit, Kane Williamson made his debut for New Zealand in an ODI against India at the tender age of 20 back in 2010. 

Meanwhile, his final international appearance came against England at Lord's, which became the first venue to host 150 Test matches. 

Although he was a raw talent in 2010, Williamson rapidly evolved into a modern-day batting giant through sheer effort and rigorous grind. 

The stylish right-handed batter went on to become the backbone of the New Zealand batting unit, guiding them to numerous memorable wins across formats. 

He played 378 international matches, finishing his career with 19346 runs, the most by any New Zealand batter across formats. 

Besides scoring the most runs for his side, Williamson also holds the record for the most international centuries (48), double centuries (6), most Test runs (9515) and centuries (33). 

Williamson is New Zealand's most successful T20I captain, while claiming the second position after Stephen Fleming on the list of the country's best skippers in Tests and ODIs. 

He led New Zealand to their maiden ODI World Cup final in 2019, which the BlackCaps lost by the barest of margins from England. Apart from that, Williamson also powered the Kiwis to the first-ever WTC title in 2021, while also leading them to a T20 World Cup final in the same year. 

Who will replace Kane Williamson in New Zealand's playing XI vs England?

Kane Williamson used to bat at number three for New Zealand in Test cricket. As he has announced his retirement from all formats, Williamson will likely be replaced by veteran batter Henry Nicholls in the BlackCaps' playing XI for the second Test against England. 

Having lost the series opener at Lord's, New Zealand are trailing by 0-1 and would be desperate to bounce back in the second Test, set to be played at the Kennington Oval from June 17 to 21. 

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