New Zealand stalwart and legend Kane Williamson has announced his retirement from international cricket with immediate effect, bringing the curtains down on a stellar career spanning nearly 16 years and 378 matches across formats. Kane Williamson didn’t had a great 1st Test match where he scored 0 (2) & 18 (36) in the match as he was clearly struggling.
Kane Williamson’s decision comes in the midst of New Zealand’s ongoing Test tour of England, which they trail 1-0 after a loss in the opening game. by 115 runs He will not take any further part in the series with the Lord’s Test, marking his final international appearance.
Kane Williamson’s retirement announcement
In a statement released by New Zealand Cricket, Kane Williamson said, “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 all in every match I’ve played for New Zealand,”Â
Williamson further added, “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.”
Williamson signed off, “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.”Â
Rob Walter lavishes praise on Kane Williamson
New Zealand’s head coach, Rob Walter, praised Williamson as a special player and person while acknowledging the former skipper’s decision to hang up his boots. Walter said, “Kane’s always put the team first, and although we’re disappointed to see him go, we’re happy to know he’s content and at peace with his decision. An incredible player, awesome teammate, a wonderful leader and a fantastic ambassador for our sport.”Â
Richard Hadlee’s massive praise for Kane Williamson
Kane Williamson also received special words of praise from Sir Richard Hadlee, the former New Zealand captain and the country’s highest wicket-taker in Tests. Hadlee said, “Kane’s been a wonderful player and has been a fine leader. He’s demonstrated a willingness to continually advance his game to the highest level in all three formats, and he rightfully finishes as one of the best players of this era.”
Richard Hadlee further added, “The way he prepared himself physically and mentally was perhaps the most impressive part. He was always committed to working hard and developing his technique to ensure he was ready to be a world-class player. He’s been an unflappable leader and the architect of some of our greatest moments in cricket. I commend him and thank him for everything he has contributed to cricket and wish him a happy retirement.”Â
Kane Williamson’s Career at a Glance
Kane Williamson was long touted for greatness and arrived on the international scene with a hundred on his Test debut against India in Ahmedabad in 2010, three months after his ODI debut against the same team. He finished his career as New Zealand’s highest run-getter across formats with 19,346 runs and 48 centuries.
He scored 9,515 of those runs in 110 Tests, with 38 half-centuries and 33 centuries to his credit, while averaging 54.06. Williamson’s ODI record makes for equally impressive reading, having scored 7,256 runs in 175 matches, averaging 48.69 while scoring 47 fifties and 15 tons. His decision to retire immediately means that he will not feature in next year’s World Cup to be held in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
Williamson also led New Zealand with distinction in 40 Tests, 91 ODIs, and 75 T20Is. He led his country to the final of the 2019 ODI World Cup, where he was adjudged Player of the Tournament, and the final of the 2021 T20 World Cup. His most significant accomplishment as captain was the inaugural World Test Championship final, scoring 49 and 52* as New Zealand beat India in Southampton in June 2021.
The 35-year-old Williamson bows out as New Zealand’s sixth-most capped Men’s player, a four-time winner of the Sir Richard Hadlee Medal, and the winner of the ICC Men’s Test Player of the Year Award in 2019.
New Zealand are expected to name a replacement for the remainder of their Test tour in due course of time. The second Test for the record is set to commence at the Oval on Wednesday, June 17th.
It is indeed the end of an era as the legend Kane Williamson retires. He is one of the nicest guys we have ever come across and was a true gentleman of the game. We wish him a happy retired life and best wishes for a better life after international cricket. The Fab 4 has now been reduced to Fab 2 in Test Cricket, with Steven Smith & Joe Root left.
Also Read: ENG vs NZ: Rob Key’s Take On Harry Brook Denied Captaincy