Kane Williamson retires from international cricket

New Zealand stalwart Kane Williamson has announced his retirement from international cricket with immediate effect, bringing the curtains down on a stellar career spanning nearly 16 years and 378 matches across formats.

Williamson's decision comes in the midst of New Zealand's ongoing Test tour of England, which they trail 1-0 after a loss in the opening game. He will not take any further part in the series with the Lord's Test marking his final international appearance.

"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 in a statement released by New Zealand Cricket. "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.

"I leave feeling optimistic about where this group is heading. There's a huge amount of talent, and a real desire to do something special with this New Zealand team.

"It's a team I love, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have been part of it for so long. It will continue to be dear to my heart."

"Kane's always put the team first and although we're disappointed to see him go, we're happy to know he's content and at peace with his decision. An incredible player, awesome teammate, a wonderful leader and a fantastic ambassador for our sport."

"Kane's been a wonderful player and has been a fine leader," said Hadlee. "He's demonstrated a willingness to continually advance his game to the highest level in all three formats and he rightfully finishes as one of the best players of his era.

"The way he prepared himself physically and mentally was perhaps the most impressive part. He was always committed to working hard and developing his technique to ensure he was ready to be a world class player. He's been an unflappable leader and the architect of some of our greatest moments in cricket. I commend him and thank him for everything he has contributed to cricket and wish him a happy retirement."

Long touted for greatness, Williamson marked his arrival on the international scene with a hundred on Test debut against India in Ahmedabad in November 2010, three months after his ODI debut against the same team. He finishes his career as New Zealand's highest run-getter across formats with 19,346 runs and 48 centuries.

He scored 9,515 of those runs in 110 Tests, with 38 half-centuries and 33 centuries to his credit, while averaging 54.06. Williamson's ODI record makes for equally impressive reading, having scored 7,256 runs in 175 matches, averaging 48.69 while scoring 47 fifties and 15 tons. His decision to retire means that he will not take part in next year's World Cup to be held in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia.

Williamson also led New Zealand with distinction in 40 Tests, 91 ODIs and 75 T20Is. He led his country to the final of the 2019 ODI World Cup where he was adjudged Player of the Tournament, and the final of the 2021 T20 World Cup. His most significant accomplishment as captain was the inaugural World Test Championship final, scoring 49 and 52* as New Zealand beat India in Southampton in June 2021.

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