Cricket: Williamson relishing captaincy chance

Kane Williamson is enjoying the interim captaincy role, but is looking forward to regular skipper Brendon McCullum's return.

McCullum, in the twilight of his international career, was always sitting out the five T20 internationals against Sri Lanka and Pakistan as he's not going to the world T20 tournament in India in March.

However, a back injury suffered during the second ODI against Sri Lanka on December 28, has sidelined him until the start of the three ODIs against Pakistan later this month.

''I've been enjoying stepping in for Brendon when he's not around. We've been playing some good cricket together," Williamson said.

''At the same time I appreciate the position I'm in and that's taking the captaincy when Brendon's not there. It's very much looking at one game at a time.

''Although you don't have Brendon's captaincy you also don't have his batting and his fielding. You're losing a skill set as well. Therefore the team does shape up slightly differently, and it's important that we acknowledge that and look to continue to grow the team. ''

Williamson sees the interim role as continuing the good work already done by McCullum and coach Mike Hesson.

''That's a focus of mine. There's a number of leaders in the team who I think all need to take some responsibility."

Williamson, one of the world's best batsmen across all forms, admitted he had learnt plenty filling the stand-in role. He's no stranger to it, and is expected to take over when McCullum retires after the second test against Australia in Christchurch in late February.

''The interim job is somewhat different to what I imagine the full-time job would be.

''I've had a few opportunities to do series, which have been enjoyable. And it's been good to see the team grow."

A 3-0 win over Pakistan in the T20 series starting at Eden Park on Friday would have them sitting No 1 in the world in the shortest form of the game.