Kane Williamson has stepped down as New Zealand Test captain and has been changed by Tim Southee, the nation’s cricket board (NZC) stated on Thursday.
After taking cost in 2016 Williamson captained New Zealand in 40 assessments – with 22 wins, 10 defeats and eight attracts – and led the group to victory over India within the inaugural World Test Championship last in 2021.
“For me, test cricket is the pinnacle of the game and I’ve enjoyed the challenges of leading the side in the format,” stated Williamson.
“Captaincy comes with an increased workload on and off the field and at this stage of my career I feel the time is right for this decision.”
Williamson will stay New Zealand’s white-ball captain and he stated he’ll proceed to play in all three codecs.
Southee, who stood in as captain for 22 Twenty20 internationals between 2017-21, will lead the take a look at group on their subsequent task – a two-match sequence in Pakistan beginning later this month.
“It’s been a surreal few days and it’s just a massive honour to be appointed as test captain,” Southee stated.
“I love test cricket, it’s the ultimate challenge and I’m really excited by the opportunity to lead the team in this format.”
NZC additionally introduced their squad for the tour of Pakistan on Thursday, with spinner Ish Sodhi returning to the take a look at group 4 years after his final look within the longest format.
Batsman Glenn Phillips, whose solely earlier take a look at match look for New Zealand got here in opposition to Australia in 2020, was additionally included within the squad, whereas quick bowlers Trent Boult (unavailable) and Kyle Jamieson (again damage) missed out.
New Zealand squad: Tim Southee (capt), Michael Bracewell, Tom Blundell, Devon Conway, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Ajaz Patel, Glenn Phillips, Ish Sodhi, Blair Tickner, Neil Wagner, Kane Williamson, Will Young