Kane Williamson named New Zealand’s Test captain

Kane Williamson has been handed the reins of the New Zealand’s Test side after leading the national side at the World Twenty20 earlier this year. New Zealand Cricket made the official announcement of the right-handed batsman replacing Brendon McCullum, who retired in February 2016, on Thursday (April 28).

David White, the New Zealand Cricket Chief Executive, said he felt that the 25-year-old is ready for the role. “Kane has been a leader within the team for a long time now and already shown himself to be an extremely capable captain,” he said. “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.”

Williamson has led New Zealand in 36 limited-overs matches so far and has won 20 of them. The right-hand batsman is currently in India playing for Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League.

Williamson said he was confident that the group of players New Zealand have right now, they can achieve a lot as a team. “It’s certainly an honour. I’ve really enjoyed my time spent as captain and believe this team can achieve a lot,” he said. “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.

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

Williamson has played 48 Tests so far to accumulate 4037 runs at an average of 49.23. He has 13 centuries to his name and will be New Zealand’s 29th Test captain.

 

SOURCE: PTI