New Zealand’s highest Test run-scorer has announced his immediate retirement from international cricket, bringing the curtain down on a remarkable career that included a World Test Championship triumph and nearly 20,000 international runs.

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Kane Williamson has officially retired from international cricket, ending a distinguished 16-year career as one of New Zealand’s greatest-ever players.

The 35-year-old made the decision during New Zealand’s ongoing Test series in England and will not feature in the remaining matches at The Oval and Trent Bridge. Williamson said he felt it was the right time to step away, believing he had given everything he could to the national team.

Widely regarded as one of the finest batters of his generation, Williamson finishes as New Zealand’s leading Test run-scorer with 9,515 runs at an average of 54.06 from 110 matches. He also scored 7,256 ODI runs and 2,575 T20I runs during an international career that began in 2010.

His greatest achievement came in 2021 when he captained New Zealand to victory in the inaugural ICC World Test Championship final against India. Under his leadership, the Black Caps also reached the finals of the 2019 ODI World Cup and the 2021 T20 World Cup.

Williamson’s calm leadership, consistency with the bat and professionalism earned him immense respect across world cricket. While his international journey has come to an end, he leaves behind a legacy as one of New Zealand’s most influential and accomplished cricketers.