Kane Williamson has left his future with New Zealand uncertain, saying he will decide “series by series” after the Black Caps’ third Test against the West Indies. The 35-year-old batter, who has scored 9,461 Test runs at an average of 54.7, is considering prioritizing family over cricket.
Williamson has not made a concrete decision about retiring from Tests but acknowledged that thoughts about ending his international career naturally enter his mind. After the West Indies series, he will play in South Africa’s SA20 tournament, taking advantage of a casual playing agreement that allows him to choose when to play for New Zealand.
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He might reconsider New Zealand duties in six months, starting with a one-off Test against Ireland in May 2026, followed by a three-match series in England in June. New Zealand also host India for two Tests in late 2026 and tour Australia for four Tests by the year-end.
Williamson said tours to England and Australia remain exciting opportunities but emphasized he is focused on balancing family life with cricket commitments. He stressed that his motivation is not personal stats but contributing to the team’s success.
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Many fans hoped Williamson would reach 10,000 Test runs before retiring. He acknowledged the milestone is possible in 2026 but said individual records have never been his priority, as every run belongs to the team.