New Zealand legend Kane Williamson retires from international cricket mid-series

[p]The 35-year-old former skipper announced his exit ahead of the [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/game/cricket/england-UJC5mtAU/new-zealand-G6PWlrQB/?mid=bcBQ09rn"]second Test against England at The Oval next week.[/a][/p][p]He played in the Black Caps' defeat in the first Test at Lord's, making 0 and 18.[/p][p][b]"I've thought about it for a while, but over the last few days it's become clear now is the right time,"[/b] he said.[/p][p][b]"I've always felt a strong drive and hunger for international cricket, and I take pride in knowing I've given it my all in every match I've played for [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/new-zealand/G6PWlrQB/"]New Zealand[/a].[/b][/p][p][b]"Continuing with anything less wouldn't be right and I feel fortunate to step away on my own terms.[/b][/p][p][b]"I leave feeling optimistic about where this group is heading,"[/b] he added. [b]"There's a huge amount of talent and a real desire to do something special with this New Zealand team."[/b][/p][embed guid="3f74fb20-2c30-4885-9d88-91ac59fe50bc" url="https://x.com/BLACKCAPS/status/2065373820047720767" social-type="twitter" /][p][a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/player/williamson-kane/vwPL9D1D/"]Williamson[/a] made his international debut in 2010 and played 378 games for his country, finishing as New Zealand's all-time leading run-scorer with 19,346, including 48 centuries and six double-centuries.[/p][p][b]He played 110 Tests, smacking 33 centuries, on his way to 9,515 runs at an average of 54.06.[/b][/p][p]His leadership style was much admired as he captained the side in all three formats during a golden period from 2016 to 2024.[/p][p]During that time, they made two World Cup finals, three semi-finals, and won the inaugural World Test Championship in 2021.[/p]