Kane Williamson steps down as New Zealand Test captain

Kane Williamson stepped down as New Zealand Test captain on Thursday after more than six years in charge but will remain skipper of the ODI and T20 teams. New Zealand Cricket (NZC) Board said that the 32-year-old will be replaced as Test captain by veteran fast bowler Tim Southee.

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"Captaining the Black Caps in Test cricket has been an incredibly special honor."

"Captaincy comes with an increased workload on and off the field and at this stage of my career, I feel the time is right for this decision."

said the 32-year-old Williamson who has led New Zealand since 2016

He said that following talks with New Zealand Cricket. He will remain as the captain of the white-ball team with two World Cups looming in the next two years and will also continue to play all three formats.

Williamson signs off as skipper having led New Zealand to 22 wins in 40 Test matches. Eleven of his 24 Test hundreds came when he was skipper -- a record for a New Zealand captain.

Southee, 34, will lead the team on their forthcoming tour of Pakistan with Tests in Karachi, starting on December 26. After that, he will lead the Kiwis in Multan beginning on January 3.

Tom Latham has been confirmed as Southee's vice-captain having previously led the side in Williamson's absence.

Southee has played 346 internationals and has skippered New Zealand's Twenty20 team on 22 occasions. He is New Zealand's 31st Test captain.

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"It's been a surreal few days and it's just a massive honor to be appointed as Test captain," said Southee.

"I love Test cricket. It's the ultimate challenge and I'm really excited by the opportunity to lead the team in this format".