Kane Williamson retires from international cricket effective immediately

New Zealand's most prolific run-scorer is hanging up his bat.

Kane Williamson, arguably the Black Caps' greatest ever batsman, has confirmed his retirement from international cricket effective immediately.

He will play no further part in the current series in England, with a replacement player to be confirmed soon.

It brings an end to a 16-year career which saw him play 378 games, and establishing himself as one of the greatest of the international generation.

The 35-year-old finishes as New Zealand's all-time leading international run-scorer with 19,346 runs, including 48 centuries and six double-centuries.

After making his debut in 2010 and retiring from T20Is in November, Williamson said the time was now right to fully step away.

"I've thought about it for a while, but over the last few days it's become clear now is the right time.

"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 New Zealand."

He said he felt fortunate to step away on his own terms.

Kane Williamson - NZ men's records

• Most international runs (19,346)
• Most international centuries (48)
• Most international double-centuries (6)
• Sixth most international appearances (378)
• Most Test runs (9,515)
• Most Test centuries (33)
• Third most Test appearances (110)
• Fourth most ODI runs (7,256)
• Fourth most ODI centuries (14)
• Second most T20I runs (2575)
• Highest Test average 54.06 (min 20 games)
• Second highest ODI average 48.69 (min 20 games)
• Third highest T20I average 33 (min 5 games)
• Fourth most international catches (217)
• Equal most test wins (47), with Tom Latham and Tim Southee
• First to score centuries in four consecutive Test matches

Captaincy record

• 40 Tests - 22 wins, 10 losses and 8 draws (2nd most behind Stephen Fleming - 28 wins from 80 Tests)
• 91 ODIs - 46 wins, 40 losses, 1 tie, 4 NR (2nd behind Stephen Fleming - 98 wins from 218 ODIs)
• 75 T20Is - 39 wins, 34 losses, 1 tie, 1 NR (most by a NZ captain)
• 2016 ICC T20 World Cup semi-final in India
• 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup Final in England
• 2021 ICC World Test Championship Final in England - win
• 2021 ICC T20 World Cup Final in UAE
• 2022 ICC T20 World Cup semi-final in Australia
• 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup semi-final in India

Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.