Tag: Kane Williamson

Batter Will Young was drafted into the New Zealand Test squad on Saturday in place of Kane Williamson, who called time on his international career mid-series against England.

Young will arrive in London on Sunday and join the squad ahead of the second Test at the Oval from Wednesday, Cricket New Zealand said.

Williamson, New Zealand’s most prolific run-scorer, stunned the cricketing world with his retirement announcement on Friday ahead of the second Test.

The 35-year-old former skipper, who played in the first England Test, said that “it just feels like the right time for me to step away”.

“I feel really good about it,” said Williamson, one of the ‘Fab Four’ batter of his generation alongside India’s Virat Kohli, Australia’s Steve Smith and England’s Joe Root.

Catch all FIFA World Cup 2026 live updates here!

His decision sparked a slew of praise from some of the leading lights of the game.

“From an opponent to a friend over the years,” Kohli said of Williamson.

“It’s been a pleasure watching you bat and compete against you over so many years but more than that I value our friendship and shared perspectives on the game and beyond.”

Fellow Indian great Sachin Tendulkar was equally effusive.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

“A thorough gentleman and a true role model for youngsters,” Tendulkar said. “His retirement will probably be received with unexpected relief in more than a few bowling camps.”

Young has played 23 Tests but is yet to score a century, with a highest score of 89.

England lead the three-Test series 1-0 after winning the opener at Lord’s by 115 runs.

READ: Ex-pacer tips Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to surpass Tendulkar, Kohli

India ace batter Virat Kohli has paid tribute to New Zealand’s retiring batter Kane Williamson in a social media post. 

Kohli to the social media platform, recalling cherished memories alongside Williamson.

“From an opponent to a friend over the years. It’s been a pleasure watching you bat and compete against you over so many years but more than that, I value our friendship and shared perspectives on the game and beyond,” he wrote.

“I continue to cherish every time we speak or meet. Wishing you nothing but the best always brother. You’ve done your bit, you deserve to enjoy all of it now and put your feet up. Well done mate, life’s only just begun,” he added.

Earlier, Kane Williamson called time on his glittering international career spanning 15 years before the second Test against New Zealand at the Oval Cricket Ground.

Williamson made his debut for New Zealand in 2010 against India at Ahmedabad. He finished as the White Ferns’ highest run scorer, amassing 19,346, including 48 centuries and six double-centuries.

Widely regarded for his leadership style on the field, Kane finished his Test career at  9,515 runs at an average of 54.06, including 33 centuries.

Catch all FIFA World Cup 2026 live updates here!

His leadership style was much admired, and he captained the side in all three formats during a golden period from 2016 to 2024.

During that time, New Zealand reached two World Cup finals and three semi-finals, and won the inaugural World Test Championship in 2021.

He was named as the ICC Cricketer of 2015 and Test player of the year in 2019, while also winning the domestic Sir Richard Hadlee Medal on a record four occasions.

READ: Babar Azam pens heartfelt message on Kane Williamson’s retirement

Pakistan top-order batter Babar Azam has shared his reaction to New Zealand’s legendary batter Kane Williamson’s retirement from international cricket. 

Earlier today, Williamson called time on his international cricketing career ahead of the second Test at The Oval against New Zealand.

In a statement from New Zealand Cricket, the stalwart confirmed his retirement and revealed the reason for calling time on his glittering career.

Babar took to the social media platform X to acknowledge Williamson’s impact on global cricket.

Taking to the social media platform ‘X’, Babar reflected on the mutual respect between the two players and praised Williamson’s consistency, sportsmanship, and leadership that left a lasting impact on world cricket.

“Kane Williamson it was an honour to share the field with you. Every contest taught me something new. You leave the game better than you found it. Thank you for the standard you set champ! Happy retirement,” Babar wrote.

Williamson made his debut for New Zealand in 2010 against India at Ahmedabad. He finished as the BlackCaps highest run scorer, amassing 19,346, including 48 centuries and six double-centuries.

Widely regarded for his leadership style on the field, Kane finished his Test career at  9,515 runs at an average of 54.06, including 33 centuries.

Catch all FIFA World Cup 2026 live updates here!

His leadership style was much admired, and he captained the side in all three formats during a golden period from 2016 to 2024.

During that time, New Zealand reached two World Cup finals and three semi-finals, and won the inaugural World Test Championship in 2021.

He was named as the ICC Cricketer of 2015 and Test player of the year in 2019, while also winning the domestic Sir Richard Hadlee Medal on a record four occasions.

READ: Ex-pacer tips Vaibhav Sooryavanshi to surpass Tendulkar, Kohli

New Zealand’s most prolific run-scorer and arguably greatest batter Kane Williamson announced his immediate retirement from international cricket on Friday in the middle of their series against England.

The 35-year-old former skipper called time ahead of the second Test at The Oval next week. He played in the Black Caps’ defeat in the first Test at Lord’s, making 0 and 18.

“I’ve thought about it for a while, but over the last few days it’s become clear now is the right time,” he said.

“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.

“Continuing with anything less wouldn’t be right and I feel fortunate to step away on my own terms.

Williamson said he felt “optimistic” about the team’s direction.

“There’s a huge amount of talent and a real desire to do something special with this New Zealand team,” he said.

Williamson made his international debut in 2010 and played 378 games for his country, finishing as New Zealand’s all-time leading run-scorer with 19,346 including 48 centuries and six double-centuries.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

He played 110 Tests, smacking 33 centuries on his way to 9,515 runs at an average of 54.06.

His leadership style was much admired and he captained the side in all three formats during a golden period from 2016 to 2024.

During that time, New Zealand made two World Cup finals, three semi-finals, and won the inaugural World Test Championship in 2021.

“Anyone who’s had the privilege of working with Kane understands he is a very special player and person,” said New Zealand coach Rob Walter.

“His numbers and batting skills speak for themselves, but it’s what he means to this Black Caps team, as well as world cricket — that will be his legacy.

Catch all FIFA World Cup 2026 live updates here!

“His impact on the culture and standards of this team will remain embedded in its DNA.”

Williamson’s list of accolades is immense, including being named the ICC Cricketer of 2015 and Test player of the year in 2019, while also winning the domestic Sir Richard Hadlee Medal on a record four occasions.

New Zealand great Hadlee hailed him as “a wonderful player and 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 his era,” he said.

“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.”

READ: Thibaut Courtois likely to retire after FIFA World Cup 2026

Kane Williamson will continue his pursuit of 10,000 Test runs after being named Thursday in New Zealand’s squad to play Ireland and England in May and June.

The squad features a shock omission from the England leg of the tour, Will Young left out in favour of Henry Nicholls.

The 19-man squad will play a one-off Test against Ireland starting May 27 in Belfast before a three-Test series against England starting June 4.

Williamson has 9,461 runs at an average of 54.7 in 108 Test matches, and said in December he was considering retirement.

“As you get to the latter stages (of your career) those thoughts certainly enter your mind,” said Williamson, who added his future commitment to the Black Caps would be “series by series”.

As it turns out the 35-year-old has committed to New Zealand’s next four Tests, while New Zealand will also play India at home and Australia away later in the year.

Young’s omission for the England Tests comes as a shock given he’d been the long-standing preferred back-up to New Zealand’s batting group.

With limited opportunities, Young had four 50-plus scores in his last nine Test innings, including 74 opening the batting against a fiery spell from fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani on a lively pitch against Zimbabwe.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Nicholls, who had earned a recall after 18 months in the international wilderness, came in the next day on a then-placid pitch and scored 150 not out, but having barely faced Zimbabwe’s best bowler.

Young is part of the squad for the Ireland Test but will head home at its conclusion.

Black Caps coach Rob Walter named two potential debutants in seamer Kristian Clarke and spin-bowling all-rounder Dean Foxcroft.

“To be able to test ourselves against some of the very best Test teams in the world is an exciting challenge and with the added carrot of the fourth edition of the World Test Championship,” Walter said.

“I know it’s something the players and staff alike have been looking forward to for some time and we’re determined to meet the opportunity head on.”

New Zealand are bolstered by the return of Kyle Jamieson and Will O’Rourke, while Jacob Duffy will sit out the tour as he awaits the birth of his child.

All-rounder Michael Bracewell said he will no longer play Test cricket, instead focusing on limited-overs formats.

New Zealand Squad

Tom Latham (capt), Tom Blundell, Kristian Clarke (IRE only), Devon Conway, Zak Foulkes, Dean Foxcroft, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Will O’Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Michael Rae (IRE only), Rachin Ravindra, Ben Sears, Nathan Smith, Blair Tickner, Kane Williamson, Will Young (IRE only).

READ: PCB confirms schedule for Australia ODI tour of Pakistan

MIRPUR: James Neesham’s brisk knock and Kane Williamson’s composed innings, complemented by Binura Fernando’s four-wicket haul propelled Rajshahi Warriors into the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2025-26 final with a victory over Sylhet Titans here at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Wednesday.

Set 166, Titans’ batting lineup struggled and could eventually muster 153-8 at the end of their innings.

Binura Fernando inflicted a poor start on Titans as they lost the opener, Zakir Hasan and Ariful Islam for a duck.

As a result, Sylhet Titans were reduced to 7-2 in 2.4 overs.

Following the early hiccup, Parvez Hossain Emon and Sam Billings put the chase back on track with a 69-run partnership.

The duo brought the total to 76 until the 10th over of the game when a miscommunication between both batters resulted in a runout.

The well-set batter Emon had to go after scoring 48 from 34 balls, which included two sixes and five fours. With this wicket, Rajshahi Warriors sniffed an opening.

The game turned on its head in the 12th and 13th over when Moeen Ali and Sam Billings were sent back to pavilion. Moeen made seven while Billings made 37 from 28, featuring three fours and a six.

As a result, Sylhet Titans slumped to 107-5 in 13.2 overs with Afif Hossain and skipper Mehidy Hasan Miraz at the crease.

The duo tried to arrest the slide, adding a brief 19-run partnership. Yet they were dismissed in quick succession, with the asking rate soaring.

Therefore, with wickets tumbling at the end, Sylhet Titans required 24 off the last over. But Binura Fernando held his nerve and conceded just 11 runs to guide Rajshahi into the final.

For Rajshahi Warriors, Binura Fernando starred with the ball and picked up a four-wicket haul.

Earlier, put into bat first, Rajshahi Warriors scored 165-9 at the end of their 20 overs.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Sahibzada Farhan and Tanzid Hasan provided a rapid start, adding 41 in 4.4 overs. Farhan hit four boundaries and a six before getting caught.

Despite the wicket, Tanzid kept the scoreboard ticking until his departure in the sixth over. He made 32 off 15, striking four sixes and a four.

After a solid start, Rajshahi Warriors stuttered in the middle as they lost three quick wickets in the ninth and 10th over.

Skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto (7) and Mushfiqur Rahim (0) were dismissed on consecutive deliveries, which was followed by another wicket of SM Meherob (0).

As a result, Rajshahi Warriors were reduced to 80-5 in 10.3 overs.

With the Warriors in dire straits, the New Zealand duo of Williamson and James Neesham held the innings together with a 77-run partnership.

Kane Williamson played the second fiddle while Neesham remained the core aggressor.

The pair took the total to 157 in 18.5 overs as Neesham departed after scoring 44 from 26 balls, striking two sixes and four boundaries.

Meanwhile, Williamson remained unbeaten on 45 from 38 with the help of two sixes and a boundary.

For Sylhet Titans, Salman Irshad topped the wicket charts with three wickets to his name.

The tournament final will be played between Chattogram Royals and Rajshahi Warriors on 23 January at the same venue.

READ: Dominant England, Afghanistan seal victories in U19 World Cup

New Zealand batting great Kane Williamson has hinted that a decision about his future will be made on a series-by-series basis following a dominant batting display by the Black Caps against the West Indies here at the Bay Oval on Sunday in the third and final Test match of the series.

The 35-year-old Williamson is currently playing in a three-match series against West Indies and has been in decent touch.

Overall, he has amassed 9,461 Test runs to his name at a staggering average of 54.7 in 108 Test matches.

West Indies will require an uphill task on the final day of the tour, with 419 runs to win and 10 wickets in hand.

Meanwhile, it’s still unconfirmed whether ace batter Williamson will play Test cricket again, as he will be heading to South Africa for the SA T20 with his family upon the conclusion of the tour.

Speaking after the fourth day’s play, Williamson, who is inthe twilight of his career, revealed his thoughts on playing for New Zealand in the future.

“As you get to the latter stages (of your career), those thoughts certainly enter your mind,” he said.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

“It’s almost series by series,” Williamson said on playing for New Zealand nowadays.

Moving forward, the Black Caps will play their next Test match against Ireland in May 2026, which will be followed by a three-match series against England.

The 35-year-old termed the England and Australia tours challenging, noting that the challenges would be addressed as they come.

“We’ll just cross those bridges as they come.” “Going to England and Australia are really mouth-watering prospects and a great opportunities because they are tough tours,” Williamson explained.

He also turned down the upside of the game and stated that he never played for personal milestones.

“I’ve never used this team for my own personal gain,” he continued.

“I know cricket’s saturated in stats, but you’re wanting to go out and contribute to a team that you care about, so whatever runs you get aren’t really yours, they’re for the team,” Williamson concluded.

READ: Mbappe matches Ronaldo record as Real Madrid beat Sevilla

New Zealand batting talisman Kane Williamson returns to the Test arena for the first time in a year to bolster the hosts’ line-up in the first Test against the West Indies in Christchurch, which begins Tuesday.

The 35-year-old sat out New Zealand’s only other Tests this year — a 2-0 series win in Zimbabwe in August — but has a formidable Test record against the West Indies.

From seven home innings, he averages 72.57, while over 10 innings in the West Indies, the figure is an impressive 51.33.

One of the greatest batsmen of his generation, Williamson has a career average of 54.88 from 105 Tests, with 33 centuries.

He scored 156 against England in his last Test innings at Hamilton in December last year.

West Indies captain Roston Chase said Monday there was only one way to quell Ken Williamson.

“Patience. I would say the most important thing is patience,” Chase said as his West Indies team went through their final practice.

The West Indies face a monumental task. They have not won a Test in New Zealand since 1995 and lost both the Twenty20 and ODI series last month.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

“We want that win,” said Chase, who believes his side can end that 30-year win drought. “We don’t want to be on the bad side of history all the time.

“I mean, we fought well in the two white-ball series, and I just think if we can learn a bit faster and adapt a bit faster, especially with problem solving, we can get over the line with the red ball for sure.”

While the Test opens New Zealand’s campaign in the new edition of the World Test Championship, the West Indies have already played five in recent months without success, losing 3-0 to Australia and 2-0 to India.

The recent lack of five-day cricket for New Zealand, whose previous outing before Zimbabwe was that home series against England a year ago, did not faze captain Tom Latham.

“For us it’s about trying to hit the ground running and try to get into the mode of Test cricket as quick as we can,” he said.

“And if we do that, hopefully that gives us a good chance at the back end of the match.”

Christchurch’s Hagley Oval presented a green wicket on the eve of the Test on Monday.

It led Latham to predict that “it will be no different” from previous Tests at the venue where the team that wins the toss elects to bowl first.

READ: Virat Kohli breaks Sachin Tendulkar’s longstanding record

AUCKLAND: New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has named seasoned batter Kane Williamson in the 14-man Test squad on Monday to face the West Indies in a three-match series next month.

The 35-year-old former captain, New Zealand’s record Test run scorer, retired from T20 internationals earlier this year and sat out the two-Test series away to Zimbabwe in July-August.

“Kane’s ability on the field speaks for itself, and it will be great to have his skills as well as his leadership back in the Test group,” head coach Rob Walter said.

All-rounder Daryl Mitchell was included and is expected to be fit after suffering a minor groin injury in the first ODI against the West Indies eight days ago.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Pace bowler Zak Foulkes, who made his debut in the second Test against Zimbabwe with match figures of 9-75, is included in the pace attack with Jacob Duffy, who won his first Test cap in the same match.

Blair Tickner returns to the Test side for the first time since 2023, following back-to-back player of the match performances in the recent one-day international series against England.

The first Test begins in Christchurch on December 2. The series moves on to Wellington on December 10 with the final Test at Mount Maunganui on December 18.

New Zealand squad for West Indies Tests

Tom Latham (c), Tom Blundell, Michael Bracewell, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Nathan Smith, Blair Tickner, Kane Williamson, Will Young

READ: Pakistan-Australia ODI series likely to be postponed: reports

New Zealand batting great Kane Williamson announced his retirement from Twenty20 internationals on Sunday, saying the team needed “clarity” ahead of next year’s World Cup.

Williamson will depart the shortest format as his country’s second-highest run-scorer, tallying 2,575 runs from 93 matches, including 18 half-centuries, at an average of 33.4.

He captained New Zealand to the final of the 2021 T20 World Cup – where he scored 85 in a losing cause against Australia – and to semi-final appearances in 2016 and 2022.

Williamson relinquished the captaincy in both white ball formats when signing a “casual” contract with NZ Cricket, allowing him to pick and choose his availability.

Last week, the 35-year-old confirmed that he would be cutting back on his international commitments to focus more time on his young family and playing in professional white-ball leagues.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

“It’s the right time for myself and the team. It gives the team clarity for the series moving forward and ahead of their next major focus, which is the T20 World Cup,” Williamson said in a statement.

“There’s so much T20 talent there, and the next period will be important to get cricket into these guys and get them ready for the World Cup.”

Williamson will miss the home T20 series against the West Indies starting on Wednesday and has also made himself unavailable for the subsequent ODI series.

However, he will be available for three Tests against the tourists in December, where he will look to add to his New Zealand record 9276 runs in the longest format.

New Zealand Cricket chief executive Scott Weenink said Williamson had earned the right to determine how he plays out the rest of his international career.

“We’ve made it clear to Kane he has our full support as he reaches the back end of his illustrious career,” Weenink said.

“We would, of course, love to see him play for as long as possible, but there’s no doubt whenever he does decide to finally call time, he will go down as a legend of New Zealand cricket.”

READ: Babar Azam steers Pakistan to series-clinching win over South Africa