The former New Zealand captain Kane Williamson will play no further part in the Test series against England after retiring from all international cricket with immediate effect.
Williamson brings an end to a 16-year career marked by numerous accolades and by captaining his side to the title in the inaugural World Test Championship in 2021.
The 35-year-old batter made his debut in the longest format against India in November 2010 in Ahmedabad, and played 110 Tests in all, scoring 9,515 runs at an average of 54.06. He is New Zealand’s all-time leading international run-scorer with 19,346 runs across all formats, including 48 centuries and six double-centuries.
“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 said in a statement. “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 led the Black Caps as captain across formats between 2016 and 2024. He led the Test side for 40 matches including the 2021 World Test Championship final against India.
He won 22 Tests and scored 11 hundreds as captain before stepping down from the role in 2022. Williamson’s list of accolades includes being named the International Cricket Council’s cricketer of 2015 and Test player of 2019, while also winning the Sir Richard Hadlee Medal for New Zealand’s best performer on a record four occasions.
New Zealand’s coach, Rob Walter, paid tribute, adding: “Anyone who’s had the privilege of working with Kane understands he is a very special player and person.
“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. He’s an incredible player, awesome teammate, a wonderful leader and a fantastic ambassador for our sport.”
