Williamson will become the 29th man to lead New Zealand in Test cricket

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

New Zealand batsman Kane Williamson has been named as the Black Caps’ Test captain following the retirement of Brendon McCullum.

Williamson had been the vice-captain during McCullum’s tenure as skipper and captained the ODI and Twenty20 squads, which he will continue to do so.

The announcement was made during a press conference in Auckland on Thursday.

“It’s certainly an honour. I’ve really enjoyed my time spent as captain and believe this team can achieve a lot,” Williamson said. “I’m lucky to have a number of experienced players around me for support and will certainly look to utilise this. We’re all striving for the same thing and that’s to represent New Zealand with pride and win cricket games.

“I’ve certainly learnt a lot from Brendon, as has everyone who has played with him. The culture that he and [coach] Mike Hesson have cultivated has been a huge part of this team’s success in recent times. We not only have good players, but good people too and that certainly makes any captain’s job easier.”

New Zealand Cricket (NZC) chief executive David White added: “Kane has been a leader within the team for a long time now and already shown himself to be an extremely capable captain.

“He’s respected by his peers and the wider cricket community for his professional approach both on and off the field, and has a superb cricket brain. His drive to see the team succeed and his passion for the game are what you look for in a leader. He’s ready for the role and will only continue to grow.”

The 25-year-old will become New Zealand’s third-youngest Test captain behind Stephen Fleming and John Parker when the Black Caps travel to Zimbabwe and South Africa in July-August.