New Zealand player Tom Latham mentioned that the Black Caps team will feel the absence of Kane Williamson in the upcoming local season. However, he also pointed out that this situation provides a chance for other players to show their skills and perform well. Williamson decided not to renew his main contract, which means he will not play in some games during the local summer. This decision came after he stopped being the captain of the T20 team when New Zealand was eliminated early in the T20 World Cup.
Kane Williamson has reached a preliminary agreement with the board to be a key player in the team. He will be considered for selection. Williamson is set to participate in the SA20 tournament in January and will therefore miss a series of limited-overs matches against Sri Lanka. However, he will join the New Zealand team for their Test series at home against England in November and December.
“Over the years, we’ve often been without our more experienced players, either because they’re playing in the IPL or taking a break. For me, this situation provides a chance to take on more responsibility as a senior player and lead the team. It also gives other players who haven’t had many chances before the opportunity to take on leadership roles,” Tom Latham commented after New Zealand released their summer schedule on Wednesday, July 17.
“It’s not ideal when you lose players like Kane, but it allows others to step up and show what they can do,” he said.
Trent Boult was the first to give up his central contract in August 2022, deciding to keep playing for New Zealand in big events. Soon after, Williamson, Lockie Ferguson, and Adam Milne did the same.
Tom Latham recognized that cricket is evolving, with more focus on T20 leagues that are part of franchises. During New Zealand’s home season, they have a three-game series against England, which is their only Test event. After that, the BlackCaps will play ODI and T20I matches against Sri Lanka and Pakistan.
“There aren’t any franchise-based Test matches. If that changes, it would be fantastic. However, in today’s cricket, you need to be very adaptable with your skills,” he said.
