Cricket News

Former New Zealand player calls for a new captain in New Zealand Test team

New Zealand commentator, Simon Doull feels that Tom Latham should take over Test captaincy from Kane Williamson. He reckons that if Williamson plays the next Test, then it should be the his last Test as the captain of New Zealand’s Test team.

“I almost think that if Kane Williamson is fit to play and captain the side in the third Test, it might be for the last time in Test cricket. I just think it’s time for Tom Latham to take over this Test match side. Kane has done it for long enough, I just want him to be the best batsman New Zealand have ever had — and he will be,” said Doull on-air.

Doul wants Kane Williamson to give up on the added pressure of leading New Zealand’s Test side in order to focus on his individual form. The former New Zealand cricketer, though, believes that he should continue leading the side in the ODI format.

“I just want Kane to be the best batter New Zealand has ever had. He will be, but he’s a such a good quality player and it hurts me to see what he’s going through at the moment form-wise, coming out of the IPL and into that first Test. He is such a quality player and quality guy. Captaincy in the white-ball format I still see with him moving forward, but I see Latham as our future Test captain – which will relieve some of the pressure on Williamson.”

Owing to an injury, Kane Williamson has been ruled out of the ongoing second Test match against England. In his absence, Tom Latham has been given the responsibility to lead the side. After being asked to bat first, Tom Latham and Will Young provided a solid start as the they added 84 runs for the opening wicket.

In his career so far, Tom Latham has led New Zealand in 8 Tests. Under his leadership, New Zealand have won and lost four matches apiece.