Delhi, India: Brendon McCullum, a former New Zealand captain, has praised Kane Williamson for leading the team to unprecedented success in Test cricket and believes that the right-handed batter has improved the team’s situation from when he was captain.
Williamson took over from McCullum as New Zealand’s Test captain in 2016 and stepped down as captain on Thursday, ending his six-year tenure in the position.
Under Williamson, New Zealand played in 40 Tests, winning 22, drawing eight, and losing 10 matches (likewise two ending as no-result) and took the team to win the inaugural World Test Championship (WTC) in Southampton in June 2021.
Many people consider Kane Williamson’s Blackcaps team to be their second favorite team because of how they carry themselves and what they accomplish.
When it comes to the captaincy of New Zealand, he has left the cap, or blazer, in a much better place. He clearly mistook me because he left the blazer in a better condition than when he found it. He has done a remarkable job, and I look forward to someday sitting down with him, opening a nice bottle of wine, and toasting everything he has accomplished, he continued.
Even though McCullum admitted that Williamson’s decision to step down as Test captain surprised him, the batsman explained why the Tauranga-based batsman decided to step down. Tim Southee, a veteran pacer, will now lead New Zealand in Tests.
I didn’t think Kane was prepared to step away presently despite the fact that there’d been several discussions as of late. He was sort of trying to figure out how to make his workload a little less stressful.
the two components
However, I suppose there are two components: One is that, in the same way, that Tim gave Kane everything he had as a foot soldier during his captaincy, I believe Tim Southee will do an excellent job now and will receive all of Kane’s support.
Southee, who is 34 years old and has led New Zealand in 22 T20Is, has taken Williamson’s place as opener alongside Tom Latham in recent years.
McCullum, presently England Test mentor, anticipates Southee, right now New Zealand’s third-most elevated wicket-taker in the history of the game, to lead the side through a forceful and free-streaming brand of cricket.
I think he will do an excellent job. I sincerely say I think this appointment is excellent. I know obviously, I’m on tour elsewhere and we’re going to come up against New Zealand in six weeks or something.”
“Although there is a hint of sadness for New Zealand as well, it is exciting,” he added.
Southee’s most memorable task as Test chief will be a two-match visit through Pakistan, beginning from the main match in Karachi from December 26-30, trailed constantly by Test at Multan from January 3-7. The World Test Championship (WTC) cycle includes both matches.