New Zealand announce new Test captain after Kane Williamson steps down

New Zealand's prolific cricketer Kane Williamson who led the Blackcaps to the inaugural World Test Championship title in 2021, has decided to step down as the captain in the longest format of the game.

Ace pacer Tim Southee has been appointed as the new Test captain, New Zealand cricket confirmed in a statement. Tom Latham has been named the vice-captain.

Williamson has been New Zealand's best captain statistically, winning 22 out of 40 Tests. While the 32-year-old will continue playing all three formats, he will also carry on with his responsibilities as the ODI and T20I captain.

Calling Test cricket the pinnacle of the game, Williamson who has served almost 6 years as the Test skipper said that he has enjoyed the leadership challenges and went on to add, ' Captaincy comes with the increased workload on and off the field and at this stage of my career I feel the time is right for this decision'

Southee's first assignment will be the Pakistan Test tour scheduled to begin on 26th December.