England star Joe Root has paid tribute to Kane Williamson after the New Zealand batsman retired from international cricket. Root praised Williamson’s remarkable career and said he always admired the way the former New Zealand captain handled pressure and consistently performed at the highest level.
Williamson recently ended his 16-year international careerAnnounced his retirement from all formats of the game. This top batsman is New Zealand’s highest run-scorer in international cricket, having scored 19,346 runs in 378 matches and has cemented his place among the greatest batsmen in the country’s history.
What an amazing career and what a great ambassador for the game – Joe Root
Speaking ahead of the second Test, Joe Root described Kane Williamson as one of the game’s finest ambassadors. Root said he admired the former New Zealand captain’s approach to batting and handling different match situations.
“We would say, take this opportunity to say what a fantastic career he’s had and what a great ambassador he is for the game. I think, you know, he’s someone I’ve always taken a huge amount of inspiration from, whether it’s watching him play and learning from the way he batted technically, or the way he played the situations.”
Kane Williamson would have been a very difficult captain to follow – Joe Root
Joe Root also said that Kane Williamson set exceptionally high standards as captain and credited him with guiding New Zealand during one of the most successful periods in the team’s history.
“But not just that – the way he carried himself throughout his time and what he achieved. I think Kane Williamson would have been a very difficult captain and leader to follow. But then to go on and win the Test Championship and do everything else that New Zealand has done, and perform consistently throughout that time, is testament to what a real legend of the game he has become.”
Williamson captained New Zealand during a highly successful era between 2016 and 2024, taking the team to several major ICC events. He led New Zealand to its first ICC World Test Championship victory and helped the team reach multiple World Cup finals.
The right-handed batsman finished his Test career in this format with 9,515 runs at an average of 54.06, which included 33 centuries. Under his leadership, New Zealand also recorded 22 test victories.
I wish him all the best for the next journey – Joe Root sends message to Kane Williamson
Joe Root said that the New Zealand great will leave a big void in the dressing room after Kane Williamson’s retirement. Root also recalled playing with Williamson in Yorkshire and wished him success in the next chapter of his life.
“I’m sure for anyone of that calibre, leaving the dressing room will be a huge, huge memory. But I’ve known him for a while, played with him at Yorkshire, and he’s a great bloke. I wish him all the best for the next journey, whatever it may be.”
Williamson retired as one of the most accomplished cricketers in New Zealand history. His achievements include winning the 2021 ICC World Test Championship and being named Player of the Tournament at the 2019 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup.
