New Zealand name Kane Williamson as Test captain

The New Zealand Cricket has officially confirmed Kane Williamson as their new Test skipper. The right-handed batsman is all set to take charge of the national team in all three formats of the game.

Kane Williamson recently led the Kiwis in the World T20 in India and did a fair job taking his side to the semi-finals. The retirement of Brendon McCullum earlier this year had left the Test captaincy slot vacant. At a recent press conference in Auckland, Williamson was named to lead New Zealand in Tests as well.

Williamson’s appointment as the skipper was expected and was more of a formality. He was already in charge of the side in the limited overs, both ODIs and T20s. Williamson is not new to the role of captaincy and has previously led the U19 side as well in 2008.

“Kane has been a leader within the team for a long time now and already shown himself to be an extremely capable captain,” David White, the New Zealand Cricket CEO, said.  The NZC chief was all praise for the batsman and said he shares a great bond with all other players in the side.

“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,” he added further.

Speaking on this, Kane Williamson was happy about the role assigned to him and said he is ready for the responsibility. Williamson is currently in India, playing for the Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL. “It’s certainly an honour. I’ve really enjoyed my time spent as captain and believe this team can achieve a lot,” quoted Williamson. He further expressed that the presence of senior players around him will make his job easier. He also praised Brendon McCullum’s role in developing a good culture in the team.

“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,” said the 25-year-old batsman.

“I’ve certainly learnt a lot from Brendon, as has everyone who has played with him. The culture that he and Mike [Hesson, the coach] 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,” he added.

New Zealand are set to play Test matches against Zimbabwe and South Africa in June.

Also read – New Zealand Cricket considering day-night Test in India