New Zealand coach Rob Walter says Kane Williamson is still committed to playing for the Black Caps, despite turning down a central contract this year. This comes after Williamson opted out of the Zimbabwe Test series.
Williamson, 34, is New Zealand’s top Test run-scorer and a legend of the game. He decided against a central contract for this season to have more freedom to play franchise cricket around the world. Recently, he also sat out the upcoming Test series against Zimbabwe to play in England where he will captain the London Spirit team in The Hundred.
Despite all this, Walter said he spoke to Williamson and he’s still very committed to New Zealand cricket.
Kane and I had a good long chat. Great to catch up and talk cricket and also the future. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: he’s still very dedicated to the Black Caps and wants to play international cricket. I think we’ll see him back soon, he told the New Zealand Herald.
Walter said while Williamson might need some time to adjust to the shorter formats, his talent is undeniable.
Good players are good players; they just figure out how to succeed in all formats. He’s a generational talent and I’m sure he’ll find a way. He’s probably working out what that looks like for him personally. But as I said, good players find a way, he added.
Even though Williamson stepped down as white-ball captain after the 2024 T20 World Cup, he played in the 2025 Champions Trophy earlier this year.
Coach Rob Walter confirmed Kane Williamson is far from finished with the Black Caps, especially in Test cricket. He said Williamson is fully committed to the current World Test Championship cycle.
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“I’m looking forward to him coming back into the team, given all he brings. I have no doubt he’s committed to this world championship cycle from a Test perspective, he told Stuff.
New Zealand’s WTC starts with a home series against the West Indies and includes matches against India, Sri Lanka, England, Australia and Pakistan through to March 2027.
