Kane Williamson, New Zealand’s greatest ever batsman, drew curtains on his illustrious career that spanned 16 years. He retired as the most prolific Kiwi batter to have played for the country, amassing 19,346 runs in 378 matches, including 48 centuries and six double-centuries.
Williamson’s announcement brings an end to a glittering career that has seen him set countless batting records and earn the respect and admiration of the cricketing world.
Let’s have a look at Williamson’s batting records in New Zealand men’s cricket
- Most international runs: 19,346
- Most international centuries: 48
- Most international double-centuries: 6
- Sixth most international appearances: 378
- Most Test runs: 9,515
- Most Test centuries: 33
- Third most Test appearances: 110
- Fourth most ODI runs: 7,256
- Fourth most ODI centuries: 14
- Second most T20I runs: 2575
- Highest Test average: 54.06 (min 20 games)
- Second-highest ODI average: 48.69 (min 20 games)
- Third-highest T20I average: 33 (min 5 games)
- Fourth most international catches: 217
- Equal most test wins (47), with Tom Latham and Tim Southee
- First to score centuries in four consecutive Test matches
‘Stepping Away On My Own Terms’
Williamson’s retirement comes in the middle of England Tests, with New Zealand trailing 0-1. In a statement released by New Zealand Cricket, Williamson said he felt fortunate to step away on his own terms.
“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 issued by New Zealand Cricket.
“Continuing with anything less wouldn’t be right, and I feel fortunate to step away on my own terms.”
Asked why he chose to step aside at this point, Williamson said it’s been a ‘process’.
“It sort of dawned on me in the last few days that it felt like the time was right for me to step away,” Williamson said.
“The other side of that is I see a group, a really, really talented group that have that journey ahead of them that are totally invested in wanting to do some special things with this New Zealand cricket team that I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have been a part of for such a long period of time.”
“I just have so much respect for the New Zealand team, the Blackcaps, and so much respect for the game. And so it feels right to be making this decision today,” he added.
