Kane Williamson has been appointed as New Zealand’s test captain. New Zealand Cricket made the official announcement on Thursday (April 28).
Williamson will replace Brendon McCullum who retired in February 2016. Williamson is currently playing for Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL.
David White, the New Zealand Cricket Chief Executive, said he felt that the 25-year-old is ready for the role. “Kane has been a leader within the team for a long time now and already shown himself to be an extremely capable captain,” he said. “He’s respected by his peers and the wider cricket community for his professional approach both on and off the field, and has a superb cricket brain.
“His drive to see the team succeed and his passion for the game are what you look for in a leader. He’s ready for the role and will only continue to grow.”
Williamson, who took New Zealand to the semi-finals of recently concluded World T20, has led New Zealand in 36 limited-overs matches so far and has won 20 of them.
Williamson expressed his faith in the current set of players and said that collectively they can achieve a lot.
“It’s certainly an honour. I’ve really enjoyed my time spent as captain and believe this team can achieve a lot,” he said. “I’m lucky to have a number of experienced players around me for support and will certainly look to utilise this. We’re all striving for the same thing and that’s to represent New Zealand with pride and win cricket games.
“I’ve certainly learnt a lot from Brendon, as has everyone who has played with him. The culture that he and Mike have cultivated has been a huge part of this team’s success in recent times. We not only have good players, but good people too and that certainly makes any captain’s job easier.”
Williamson who has been the backbone of New Zealand’s batting in recent times
has played 48 Tests so far to accumulate 4037 runs at an average of 49.23. He has 13 centuries to his name and will be New Zealand’s 29th Test captain.