Cricket: Williamson takes McCullum's role

Kane Williamson (pictured) will be stepping up as Black Caps captain after Brendan McCullum announced his upcoming retirement. Photo / Getty

Tauranga's own Kane Williamson will be stepping into Brendan McCullum's shoes as captain for the Twenty20 World Cup in India.

McCullum announced his retirement at a press conference yesterday, saying "all good things must come to an end".

He had wanted to wait until the end of the Australian test series before confirming his future, but the impending naming of the New Zealand T20 World Cup squad, in which he would not be included, forced his hand.

"I've loved my opportunity to play for and captain the Black Caps," he said.

"But all good things have to come to an end and I'm grateful for the wonderful experience of playing for my country."

His farewell is set to come in the second test on February 20.

Former Black Cap Chris Pringle told the Bay of Plenty Times Kane Williamson's captaincy of the Black Caps at the ICC World T20 in March was a "natural progression" for the sportsman.

"He will be a natural leader because of his work ethic and the example he sets. I think he's a shoo-in for captain - if he wants it.

"He's spent his whole life grooming himself for these days.

"It's not an accident, it's a lot of practice and looking at how he can keep improving."

Otumoetai Cadets Cricket Club president Paul Wadsworth said Williamson fully deserved the appointment.

"Some people are saying he should wait 12 months but I don't think that's the case at all.

"I think he's due, it's his time and he's probably the most professional player in the side and probably the most equipped to take the role."

Mr Wadsworth called Williamson a "cricketing nerd", saying he lived, breathed and ate cricket.

"He's been able to achieve the best batsman in the world, that's testament to his drive and his dedication to his craft."

Mr Wadsworth remembered the Williamson family living across the road from him and finding the young Black Cap practising his batting at 10.30pm.

"I asked him what he was doing, he said 'practice makes perfect'.

"Most other guys of that age are out socialising, but not Kane. He just loves his job."

Williamson's parents were down to earth, good, honest Kiwi people and that was testament to Williamson's attitude, Mr Wadsworth said.

He was surprised by McCullum's retirement at this point in time, believing he still had a couple of years left.

- Additional reporting NZME