Stokes' Record-Breaking Half-Century Secures Series Win for England
England captain Ben Stokes smashed a record-breaking half-century, the fastest for his country in Tests, as England defeated the West Indies at Edgbaston to secure a 3-0 series win.
Despite stepping down from the captaincy role, Williamson’s dedication to New Zealand cricket remains strong.
At 33, Williamson is exploring new horizons by opting to participate in an international league during the New Zealand cricket season, rendering him unavailable for national duties during this stint. Nevertheless, he assures his availability for New Zealand cricket outside of this engagement.
Williamson expresses a deep-seated passion for advancing the national team in all formats and intends to continue contributing significantly. “The opportunity to play overseas this summer precludes me from accepting a central contract,” Williamson explains. “Yet, representing New Zealand is a privilege I hold dear, and I am as committed as ever to the team. Balancing cricket with family time has become increasingly vital to me.”
New Zealand Cricket (NZC) is open to making an exception for Williamson, acknowledging his unparalleled contributions to the team. CEO Scott Weenink remarks, “Facilitating Kane’s involvement in international cricket helps ensure his pivotal presence in the BLACKCAPS now and in the future. With minimal international fixtures scheduled in New Zealand during January, his availability outside that window is invaluable. While our policy favors centrally contracted players, we’re prepared to make an exception for one of our finest batsmen.”
Williamson’s tenure as captain saw New Zealand’s exit in the early stages of the current T20 World Cup, halting a series of impressive performances in ICC white-ball events. Following this outcome, Trent Boult announced his retirement from T20 World Cups.
The decision also necessitates the appointment of a new limited-overs captain, as Williamson had previously relinquished Test captaincy in 2022. His leadership witnessed New Zealand’s narrow defeat in the 2019 World Cup final, a loss in the 2021 T20 World Cup final, and a triumph in the inaugural World Test Championship in 2021.
Lockie Ferguson, another seasoned player, has hinted at declining the central contract offer. The final roster for the central contracts is expected to be released in the coming month.
