Kane Williamson retires from international cricket

New Zealand legend Kane Williamson has announced his immediate retirement from international cricket, concluding a stellar career that spanned 378 matches across formats and lasted nearly 16 years.

Williamson made his decision at a time when New Zealand's Test tour of England was still going on. After losing the first game, they were down 1-0. He will not participate in the series again, with the Lord's Test being his last international game.

Williamson said in a New Zealand Cricket statement, "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.

"It wouldn't be right to continue with anything less, and I feel fortunate to have left on my own terms.

"I leave feeling hopeful about the direction this group is going. This New Zealand team has a lot of talent and a real desire to do something special.

"I consider myself extremely fortunate to have been a part of this team for so long. It is a team that I adore. It will always hold a special place in my heart."

Rob Walter, the head coach of New Zealand, acknowledged Williamson's decision to step down as skipper while praising him as a "special player and person."

"Kane has always prioritized the team, and while we are sad to see him go, we are pleased to know that he is content and at ease with his decision.

Walter described him as "an incredible player, an incredible teammate, a wonderful leader, and a fantastic ambassador for our sport."

Sir Richard Hadlee, the former captain of New Zealand and the country's highest Test wicket-taker, also gave Williamson special praise.

Hadlee stated, "Kane's been a wonderful player and has been a fine leader." "In all three formats, he has demonstrated a willingness to continuously improve his game to the highest level, and he deserves to finish as one of the best players of his generation.

The most impressive aspect was probably how well he mentally and physically prepared for the event. He was always determined to put in a lot of effort and improve his technique in order to become a world-class player. He has been our unwavering leader and the creator of some of our greatest cricket moments. I wish him a successful retirement and commend him for everything he has done for cricket.

Williamson made his international debut in November 2010, three months after making his ODI debut against the same team, with a century on his Test debut against India in Ahmedabad. He had been tipped for greatness for a long time. He finishes his career as New Zealand's highest run-getter across formats with 19,346 runs and 48 centuries.

In 110 Tests, he scored 9,515 runs, including 38 half-centuries and 33 centuries, while averaging 54.06 runs per game. Williamson's ODI record is just as impressive, with 7,256 runs scored in 175 matches, an average of 48.69, 47 fifties, and 15 tons.

He will not participate in the World Cup that will be held in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia next year as a result of his decision to retire. Williamson also distinguished himself as New Zealand's leader in 40 Tests, 91 One-Day Internationals, and 75 Twenty20 Internationals. He led his nation to the 2019 ODI World Cup final, where he was named Player of the Tournament, and the 2021 T20 World Cup final.

When New Zealand defeated India in the inaugural World Test Championship final in Southampton in June 2021, he scored 49 and 52*, which was his most significant accomplishment as captain.

Williamson, 35, is New Zealand's sixth-most-capped male player. He has won the ICC Men's Test Player of the Year Award four times and the Sir Richard Hadlee Medal once. In due course, New Zealand is expected to select a replacement for the remainder of their Test tour. On Wednesday, June 17, The Oval will host the second Test.