This undated picture reveals New Zealand’s Kane Williamson in motion throughout a match at Dubai Worldwide Stadium. — Reuters
Former New Zealand captain Kane Williamson introduced his retirement from Twenty20 internationals on Sunday, however he’ll play for the Black Caps within the Take a look at sequence towards West Indies.
The 35-year-old batsman has performed 93 T20Is for his nation since making his debut towards Zimbabwe in 2011, captaining the facet on 75 events and main them to the World Cup last in 2021 and semi-finals in 2016 and 2022.
“It’s something that I’ve loved being a part of for a long period of time and I’m so grateful for the memories and experiences,” he mentioned.
“It’s the right time for me and the team. It gives the team clarity for the series moving forward and ahead of their next major focus, which is the T20 World Cup.
“There’s a lot T20 expertise there and the following interval can be vital to get cricket into these guys and get them prepared for the World Cup.”
He scored 2,575 runs in T20 internationals with 18 half-centuries, including his 85 in a losing cause in the T20 World Cup final against Australia in 2021
New Zealand cricket said Williamson, who no longer has a central contract, was open-minded about his future in one-day internationals and would definitely play in the three-test series against West Indies in December.
“Kane’s performances as a participant and his service as captain of the T20 facet have been nothing wanting immense,” mentioned NZ Cricket chief govt Scott Weenink.
“His runs in all conditions around the world reflect the world-class batsman that he is and are equally matched by the influence of his leadership on and off the field.
“With Kane dedicated to play the West Indies check sequence in December, I would encourage all Kiwis to take the chance to get out and witness one in all our biggest ever cricketers play.”
