New Zealand's legendary captain Kane Williamson penned down a heartfelt note in an Instagram post. The post alludes to his sentiments pertaining to the experience he felt privileged to undergo as the Test captain of the Kiwi side. Williamson relinquished captaincy reins on Thursday (December 15) and the decision comes weeks before the New Zealand team leaves for the tour of Pakistan which is scheduled to commence on December 26.
"It’s been an honour and a privilege to lead the New Zealand Test side over the last six and a half years," Williamson wrote.
"The role has taught me so much and I’m grateful for the many experiences, but I feel the time is right for someone else to step in and take the team forward. Thank you to the many people who have supported me in the role," he further added.
Williamson who led the New Zealand Test side for six and a half years replaced Brendon McCullum and led them to inaugural World Test Championship (WTC) win.
"Test cricket remains the pinnacle for me and I look forward to helping Tim (Southee) and the team on the road ahead!" Williamson concluded.
However, since winning the WTC final against India, the Kiwis hit a downward trend and even failed to win a single Test against England in the summer of 2022. Williamson will pass over the captaincy baton for Tim Southee, one of the most experienced bowlers in the Blackcaps side. Tom Latham will be taking up the responsibilities of his deputy.
The reigning WTC winner New Zealand are currently placed second to bottom in the table, just above Bangladesh. Williamson's side has managed to win just two matches out of nine whereas one ended in a draw.
New Zealand will kickstart their tour to Pakistan which includes two Tests with the new skipper at the helm. The first Test of the two-match series will begin on December 26 in Karachi and the second Test is scheduled to be held in Multan from January 3, 2023. It will be followed by three ODIs on January, 10, 12, and 14.
