Kane Williamson announces retirement right ahead of ENG vs NZ 2nd Test, says 'over the last few days it’s...'

New Zealand's superstar batter Kane Williamson has officially announced his retirement from international cricket. Williamson's announcement came right ahead of the second Test against England, which is scheduled to be played from June 17 at the Oval. This decision brings a definitive end to a glittering 16-year international career that began with his debut in 2010. After recently stepping away from T20Is in November, the 35-year-old stated that the time was now right to fully walk away from the international stage.

Kane Williamson retires from International cricket

Throughout his remarkable journey, Williamson represented his country in 378 matches, earning widespread respect and admiration across the cricketing world while shattering numerous batting records. He finishes his career as New Zealand’s all-time leading international run-scorer, amassing a staggering 19,346 runs. His phenomenal statistical legacy includes 48 centuries and six double-centuries.

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Over the last few days it’s become clear now is the right time: Williamson

Beyond his world-class numbers, Williamson will be remembered for his widely admired leadership and captaincy. Fronting the BLACKCAPS across all three formats during a golden era from 2016 to 2024, he guided the team to two ICC World Cup Finals, three semi-finals, and famously led them to victory in the inaugural ICC World Test Championship in 2021.

“I’ve thought about it for a while, but over the last few days it’s become clear now is the right time. 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 said in a statement to NZC.

“Continuing with anything less wouldn’t be right and I feel fortunate to step away on my own terms. 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,” he added.

Kane Williamson's illustrious career

Williamson’s illustrious career is punctuated with myriad achievement. Not just as a batter, the 35-year-old enjoyed a commendable tenure as Blackcaps captain. Under his leadership, New Zealand enjoyed one of the most prosperous periods in their cricketing history. He guided the team to the semifinals of the 2016 T20 World Cup in India, the final of the 2019 Cricket World Cup in England, and famously led the side to victory in the inaugural ICC World Test Championship final in 2021. The team's global success continued under his watch as they reached the final of the 2021 T20 World Cup in the UAE, alongside semifinal appearances at both the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia and the 2023 Cricket World Cup in India.

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Statistically, Williamson stands as one of New Zealand's most successful leaders. He captained the side in 40 Tests, recording 22 wins, 10 losses, and eight draws, placing him second only to Stephen Fleming’s 28 victories. In white-ball cricket, he captained New Zealand in 91 ODIs, securing 46 wins, while his 39 victories from 75 T20Is remain the most by any captain in the country's history.

Individually, Williamson’s masterclass on the field earned him recognition as one of the game’s premier players. His standout performances led to him being named the Player of the Tournament at the 2019 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup and the ICC Test Player of the Year that same year. He also claimed the prestigious Sir Richard Hadlee Medal four times, spanning the 2015-16, 2016-17, 2019, and 2020 seasons.

His knack for rewriting the history books began early in his career, famously scoring a century on his Test debut against India in Ahmedabad in 2010. By 2016, Williamson further cemented his place among the elites by becoming the fastest and youngest player in cricket history to score centuries against all major Test-playing nations.