Kane Williamson named New Zealand's Test captain

ByArun S Kaimal, SportsCafe Editor

04/28/2016

Kane Williamson has been named as the Test captain for the New Zealand cricket team after leading the side to a semi-final spot in the recently- concluded World T20. The 25-year old will be captaining the Kiwis in all formats and will replace Brendon McCullum, who retired in February 2016.

Williamson has been captaining the ODI and T20 sides, and his appointment as Test skipper was considered as a mere formality after Brendon McCullum’s retirement. The New Zealand cricket board has now officially confirmed the appointment on Thursday at a press conference in Auckland.

"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. "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," David White was quoted as saying in a media release on the New Zealand cricket board website.

Williamson, who is currently in India playing the IPL with Sunrisers Hyderabad, has captained the Kiwis in 36 short-format games. The 25-year old described the opportunity as a great honour and said that he is looking forward to the challenge.

“It’s certainly an honour. I’ve really enjoyed my time spent as captain and believe this team can achieve a lot.

“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 Williamson.

Williamson’s first taste as Test captain will be in Africa, when they will tour Zimbabwe and South Africa in July-August.