Kane Williamson step down as test captains, pens a heartfelt note

Kane Williamson has stepped down as New Zealand test captain and has been replaced by Tim Southee. He will remain New Zealand's white-ball captain and will continue to play in all three formats.

After taking charge in 2016 Williamson captained New Zealand in 40 tests - with 22 wins, 10 defeats and eight draws - and led the team to victory over India in the inaugural World Test Championship final in 2021.

Williamson, often regarded as one of the top five batsmen of the current era, penned a heartfelt note for the fans. The decision to relinquish the captaincy came after a series of poor performances by the Kiwis since winning the World Test Championship.

Last summer was particularly embarrassing for Williamson as England defeated them with ease.

In his emotional note to fans, Williamson wrote that he was honoured to lead the side for over six years. He said captaincy taught him a lot, and he was grateful for the experience, though it was time for someone else to step up and lead the team. Williamson also thanked the people who supported him during his tenure as captain.

It is however not the end of the road for him as a Test batsman. Williamson said test cricket was the pinnacle for him, and he would do all to help the new captain and the team on the journey ahead.

Tim Southee will now become the captain, with Tom Latham as his deputy. New Zealand is now placed at the second last position in the World Test Championship rankings, just above Bangladesh. The Kiwis have lost six, won two, and drew one test in their last nine games, which was probably the worst phase in Williamson’s captaincy.