Williamson steps down as New Zealand Test captain with Southee named replacement
Kane Williamson has stepped down as New Zealand's Test captain and will be replaced by Tim Southee, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) announced on Wednesday.
Captain in the Test format since 2016, Williamson has won 22 of his 38 matches as Black Caps skipper, ranking second all-time in victories behind Stephen Fleming.
Williamson led the team to victory in the ICC World Test Championship final last year when they defeated India by eight wickets in England.
The 32-year-old has struggled with an elbow injury of late and he has not scored a century since January 2021 against Pakistan.
The decision comes with Williamson reportedly wanting to manage his workload, though he will continue to captain the team in T20I and ODI matches.
Southee is an experienced replacement, having played 346 internationals since making his New Zealand debut in 2008.
The fast bowler will become the Black Caps' 31st Test captain later on this month when his team's tour to Pakistan begins.
Opener Tom Latham will assume the role of vice-captain having previously deputised for Williamson during his injury absence.
twitter:1603138662396469249Williamson feels it is the right time to step back from his role in the red-ball team, saying in the NZC's statement: "Captaining the BLACKCAPS in Test cricket has been an incredibly special honour.
"For me, Test cricket is the pinnacle of the game and I've enjoyed the challenges of leading the side in the format.
"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.
"After discussions with NZC, we felt that continuing to captain the white-ball formats was preferable with two World Cups in the next two years.
"I'm excited to support Tim [Southee] as captain and Tom [Latham] as vice-captain. Having played with both of them for most of my career, I'm confident they'll do a great job.
"Playing for the BLACKCAPS and contributing in all three formats is my number one priority and I'm looking forward to the cricket we have ahead."
David White, NZC CEO, added: "Kane is one of our all-time greats and our priority is to ensure he enjoys his cricket and plays for New Zealand for as long as possible.
"He's a brilliant leader and the success the team has achieved during his time in the longest and arguably toughest format of the game, has been nothing short of remarkable.
"Statistically, he's the most successful Test captain we've ever had ? which culminated in the team rising to the number one ICC Test ranking at the start of 2021 and the eventual victory in the ICC World Test Championship Final in June that year."
Southee spoke of his pride at being named the new captain, declaring: "It's been a surreal few days and it?s just a massive honour to be appointed as Test captain.
"Kane's been an outstanding Test captain and I'm looking forward to working with Gary [Stead, New Zealand head coach] on how we can build on that."
New Zealand get their tour to Pakistan underway on December 26, when the first Test starts in Karachi.
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