LONDON — Kane Williamson retired from all international cricket with immediate effect following the first Test match of a three-match series against England at Lord's Cricket Ground in London.

Williamson scored zero runs in the first innings and 18 runs in the second innings of the first Test. Williamson said, "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. Continuing with anything less wouldn't be right and I feel fortunate to step away on my own terms."

Williamson is New Zealand's leading run-scorer across all formats with 19,346 runs. He scored 48 centuries and six double-centuries in 378 international appearances between 2010 and 2026. This includes 9,515 runs at a batting average of 54.06 across 110 Test matches with 33 centuries.

He also led New Zealand to the finals of the 2015 and 2019 Cricket World Cups, and the 2021 T20 World Cup. Williamson captained New Zealand to victory in the inaugural World Test Championship in 2021. He served as the New Zealand Test captain in 40 matches. He retired from Twenty20 International cricket in November.

New Zealand head coach Rob Walter issued a statement regarding Williamson's retirement. Walter said, "Anyone who's had the privilege of working with Kane understands he is a very special player and person. His numbers and batting skills speak for themselves, but it's what he means to this Black Caps team, as well as world cricket, that will be his legacy."

Williamson made his Test debut against India in Ahmedabad in November 2010. He was named ICC Cricketer of the Year in 2015 and ICC Test Player of the Year in 2019. He won the Sir Richard Hadlee Medal four times. The 35-year-old previously played in the SA20 and Bangladesh Premier League in the six months preceding his international retirement and served as a strategic advisor for the Lucknow Super Giants during a previous Indian Premier League season.