Cricket News: Kane Williamson resigns as New Zealand Test captain
Kane Williamson has opted to step down as New Zealand's Test captain, although he will continue to captain the Blackcaps in one-day internationals and T20s. He will be replaced as red-ball captain by Tim Southee
Image credit: PA Images Kane Williamson has stepped down as New Zealand's Test captainTim Southee will succeed Williamson as captain of the red-ball team, starting with the upcoming tour to Pakistan this month. Tom Latham was appointed vice-captain.
Batter Williamson has been at the helm of the Blackcaps since 2016 when he succeeded current England Test coach Brendon McCullum. He will continue to represent New Zealand in all three formats but wants to focus on the upcoming limited-overs World Cups regarding captaincy.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Kane Williamson will step down as captain of the BLACKCAPS Test side, with Tim Southee to take up the leadership mantle. Tom Latham has been confirmed as Test vice-captain, after previously leading the side in Williamson’s absence. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CricketNation?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CricketNation</a> <a href="https://t.co/D9rPWUl05d">https://t.co/D9rPWUl05d</a></p>— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) <a href="https://twitter.com/BLACKCAPS/status/1603138662396469249?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 14, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
In 40 Tests under Williamson's captaincy, New Zealand have won 22, drawn eight and lost 10. Last year, he led the team to a triumph over India to win the Test World Cup.
During his time at the helm, he averaged over 57 with the bat and earned the praise of New Zealand head coach Gary Stead after he decided to step down.
Southee becomes the 31st captain of New Zealand's Test team and the first specialist pace bowler to take on the role permanently since Harry Cave led the tour to Pakistan and India in 1955.