Kane Williamson step down as Test captain, Southee Appointed As New Skipper.

Kane Williamson to step down as Test captain: On Thursday morning, New Zealand Cricket announced Williamson's resignation, with an eye toward the Test team's visit to Pakistan. Williamson will continue to serve as a specialty batsman while Tom Latham will stand in for Southee.

Kane Williamson, who led New Zealand to victory over India in the first World Test Championship final at the Ageas Bowl in 2021, will continue to serve as the ODI and T20I captain and has underlined his ambition to continue competing in all three forms. Williamson has led New Zealand to 22 victories in 40 Test matches, eight draws, and just 10 losses, making him statistically the best Test captain in the country's history.

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Kane Williamson to step down as Test captain

Kane Williamson said the time was right to step back. He now hands over the leadership to Southee, who will become New Zealand's 31st Test captain when they play the first Test against Pakistan in Karachi on 26 December.

He said, ?Captaining the BLACKCAPS in Test cricket has been an incredibly special honor. 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,? he added.

?I?m excited to support Tim as captain and Tom 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,? he concluded.

Southee, who has previously captained in 22 T20Is and one ODI, said ?It's been a surreal few days and it's just a massive honor to be appointed as Test captain. I love Test cricket, it's the ultimate challenge, and I'm excited to lead the team in this format. Kane Williamson's been an outstanding Test captain and I'm looking forward to working with [coach] Gary Stead on how we can build on that.?

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