As he gets ready to play for his nation for the first time since the Champions Trophy final in March, Kane Williamson says he is still committed to playing for New Zealand and has his sights set on the 2027 ODI World Cup. However, he admits that his priorities in life have changed.
Williamson, 35, was rehabilitating from an undisclosed medical condition, therefore he was not included in last week’s three-match T20I series against England. He is back with the team, though, for Sunday’s ODI portion of England’s visit, which begins at Mount Maunganui.
“It’s nice to be back amongst the group,” Williamson told NZC after rejoining a team led by Rob Walter after Gary Stead left in the off-season. It’s good to meet the new coach and a few new players because a lot has changed since my last visit. Additionally, I’m excited for the series to begin.”
Williamson, who had a multi-format tenure with Middlesex as part of an extended deal with the Hundred-franchise London Spirit, spent a large portion of the winter in England. In addition to missing New Zealand’s tour to Zimbabwe to fulfill his casual contract with NZC, he was one of several senior players who were unable to play in this month’s early-season Twenty20 Internationals against Australia.
Though he acknowledged that his involvement with New Zealand’s squads could not be limited to him picking and choosing, Williamson reaffirmed his dedication to international cricket.
“It’s just an ongoing communication with New Zealand Cricket and with Rob, and I’m grateful for that,” he stated. It’s all about striking a delicate balance between spending time with family and taking time off, as well as remaining a member of this team that I’ve truly loved and cherished for a very long time.
As my life has changed, so too has yours, and for that I am very thankful,” he continued. “As a parent of three small children, I find it crucial to strike a balance between where you spend your time and [who] you focus on. While it’s fantastic that I can still play for New Zealand and compete at the greatest level in my favorite sport, balance is what matters most to me.
I still adore the game. I’m still really motivated to improve, work hard in my training, and contribute in any way I can to the squad. For more than 15 years, it has played a significant role in my life. As a group, we have experienced many changes and hardships. However, I’ve simply enjoyed playing with a group of individuals that are devoted to the team and to one another.”
New Zealand’s impressive performance in ICC competitions during Williamson’s career was continued with their journey to the Champions Trophy final. He admitted that the 2027 ODI World Cup, which is set to take place in Southern Africa in 24 months, was still “at the back of my mind” when asked what goals he still had.
Other things are constantly there,” he continued. “I also have a strong affection for test cricket. As a result, it’s somewhat about what I want and somewhat more about what the team wants, where it’s headed, and what we value.
“We’ll keep those lines of communication open to make sure that we’re focused and clear on what it looks like,” he said. “They’re constantly working to achieve something, and I respect that this is a team and a unique location. For me, it would be fantastic if I could contribute to this stage of my career.
