Kane Williamson has announced his retirement from international cricket with immediate effect, ending a record-breaking 16-year career midway through New Zealand's Test series against England. The 35-year-old scored 0 and 18 in his final Test at Lord's last week.
Williamson finishes as New Zealand's leading run-scorer in international cricket with 19,346 runs in 378 appearances, including 48 centuries. His Test record includes 110 appearances with a batting average of 54. He captained New Zealand in the 2019 World Cup final and was named player of the tournament.
“I’ve thought about it for a while, but over the last few days it’s become clear now is the right time,” Williamson said. “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.”
Williamson began his Test career in 2010 with a debut hundred in Ahmedabad. He was part of the “Fab Four” alongside Virat Kohli, Joe Root, and Steve Smith, as predicted by Martin Crowe. He topped the Test rankings in 2015 and led New Zealand to victory in the inaugural World Test Championship final in 2021.
New Zealand head coach Rob Walter said: “Anyone who’s had the privilege of working with Kane understands he is a very special player and person. His impact on the culture and standards of this team will remain embedded in its DNA.”
New Zealand will head to the Oval for the second Test against England 1-0 down in the series and without one of their greatest players.
