Kane Williamson, on Thursday (December 15), announced that he is stepping aside from New Zealand Test captaincy. Williamson has taken the big decision after being in-charge of the Test line-up for more than six years. He, however, will remain the captain of the ODI and T20I side. New Zealand Cricket Board (NZC) has even named his replacement, with pacer Tim Southee set to take over from Williamson in whites.&nbsp;

The 32-year-old Williamson said in a statement, "Captaining the Black Caps in Test cricket has been an incredibly special honour."&nbsp;Meanwhile, Williamson's successor Southee said, "It's been a surreal few days and it's just a massive honour to be appointed as Test captain. I love Test cricket, it's the ultimate challenge and I'm really excited by the opportunity to lead the team in this format."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/france-beat-morocco-2-0-to-set-up-world-cup-final-against-argentina-543124">FIFA World Cup 2022: France overpower a spirited Morocco 2-0 to set up the summit clash with Argentina</a>

On the other hand, Tom Latham -- who has led the Kiwis on many occasions during Williamson's Test absence -- has been named as Southee's deputy. The fast-bowling all-rounder has become NZ's 31st Test captain.&nbsp;

Talking about Williamson, he will continue playing all formats and will call the shots in the white-ball forms of the game with the ODI World Cup set to take place later in 2023.&nbsp; His Test captaincy tenure ended with him leadnig the side to 22 wins in 40 games. His biggest moment came when he led the Black Caps to the inaugural ICC World Test Championship (WTC) title in 2021. In addition, he slammed 11 of his total 24 hundreds during his captaincy tenure -- a record for a New Zealand skipper.

Southee-led NZ are now gearing up for a three-match Test series versus hosts Pakistan, which will get underway on December 26 in Karachi.&nbsp;

Kane Williamson, on Thursday (December 15), announced that he is stepping aside from New Zealand Test captaincy. Williamson has taken the big decision after being in-charge of the Test line-up for more than six years.

Kane Williamson, on Thursday (December 15), announced that he is stepping aside from New Zealand Test captaincy. Williamson has taken the big decision after being in-charge of the Test line-up for more than six years. He, however, will remain the captain of the ODI and T20I side. New Zealand Cricket Board (NZC) has even named his replacement, with pacer Tim Southee set to take over from Williamson in whites. The 32-year-old Williamson said in a statement, "Captaining the Black Caps in Test cricket has been an incredibly special honour." Meanwhile, Williamson's successor Southee said, "It's been a surreal few days and it's just a massive honour to be appointed as Test captain. I love Test cricket, it's the ultimate challenge and I'm really excited by the opportunity to lead the team in this format." Also read: FIFA World Cup 2022: France overpower a spirited Morocco 2-0 to set up the summit clash with Argentina On the other hand, Tom Latham -- who has led the Kiwis on many occasions during Williamson's Test absence -- has been named as Southee's deputy. The fast-bowling all-rounder has become NZ's 31st Test captain. Talking about Williamson, he will continue playing all formats and will call the shots in the white-ball forms of the game with the ODI World Cup set to take place later in 2023. His Test captaincy tenure ended with him leadnig the side to 22 wins in 40 games. His biggest moment came when he led the Black Caps to the inaugural ICC World Test Championship (WTC) title in 2021. In addition, he slammed 11 of his total 24 hundreds during his captaincy tenure -- a record for a New Zealand skipper. Southee-led NZ are now gearing up for a three-match Test series versus hosts Pakistan, which will get underway on December 26 in Karachi.

Kane Williamson resigns as New Zealand Test captain, Tim Southee named his successor

Ben Stokes was the difference between England and New Zealand in the 2019 ODI World Cup final, at Lord's. After 100 overs were completed, there was nothing separating both sides before a Super Over was held. Even the Super Over saw both teams ending with identical scores before Stokes-starrer England won in terms of boundary count.

Stokes' 84 not out ensured England ended at 241 all-out, in pursuit of 242, and even the Super Over saw both teams ending at 15 runs apiece. The all-rounder also chipped in with eight vital runs in the Super Over. Nonetheless, Ross Taylor -- former Kiwi great -- has revealed an interesting tale that Stokes -- whose father is a Kiwi -- could've played for NZ had it not been due to New Zealand Cricket (NZC) board's&nbsp;unfortunate decision taken some years back.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/he-was-laughing-former-rajasthan-royals-star-ross-taylor-shockingly-reveals-he-was-slapped-by-an-owner-506566">'He was laughing'- Former Rajasthan Royals star Ross Taylor shockingly reveals he was slapped by owner</a>

"He was 18 or 19 and very much a Kiwi,’’ Taylor wrote in his autobiography. "Over a Guinness, I asked him if he wanted to come and play in New Zealand. He was keen so I sent a message to New Zealand Cricket CEO Justin Vaughan saying this guy Stokes was a really good young cricketer and interested in playing for New Zealand."

"Vaughan replied along the lines that he could start playing domestic cricket and we’d see where it went. I went back, saying we’d have to offer him more than that because he wouldn’t be interested if it meant starting on the bottom rung of the ladder. Obviously, it didn’t come to anything," he added.

Taylor further wrote: "Ben was sincere about playing for New Zealand, but NZC would’ve had to have acted swiftly and decisively and given him some pretty solid assurances, which Vaughan clearly wasn’t prepared to do.’’

Thus, had NZC provided Stokes more stability, the current England Test captain would have been playing for New Zealand in today's times. For the unversed, he was born in NZ on June 4, 1991, and is now hailed as one of the finest all-rounders in the modern era.

Ben Stokes was the difference between England and New Zealand in the 2019 ODI World Cup final, at Lord's. After 100 overs were completed, there was nothing separating both sides before a Super Over was held.

Ben Stokes was the difference between England and New Zealand in the 2019 ODI World Cup final, at Lord's. After 100 overs were completed, there was nothing separating both sides before a Super Over was held. Even the Super Over saw both teams ending with identical scores before Stokes-starrer England won in terms of boundary count. Stokes' 84 not out ensured England ended at 241 all-out, in pursuit of 242, and even the Super Over saw both teams ending at 15 runs apiece. The all-rounder also chipped in with eight vital runs in the Super Over. Nonetheless, Ross Taylor -- former Kiwi great -- has revealed an interesting tale that Stokes -- whose father is a Kiwi -- could've played for NZ had it not been due to New Zealand Cricket (NZC) board's unfortunate decision taken some years back. ALSO READ | 'He was laughing'- Former Rajasthan Royals star Ross Taylor shockingly reveals he was slapped by owner "He was 18 or 19 and very much a Kiwi,’’ Taylor wrote in his autobiography. "Over a Guinness, I asked him if he wanted to come and play in New Zealand. He was keen so I sent a message to New Zealand Cricket CEO Justin Vaughan saying this guy Stokes was a really good young cricketer and interested in playing for New Zealand." "Vaughan replied along the lines that he could start playing domestic cricket and we’d see where it went. I went back, saying we’d have to offer him more than that because he wouldn’t be interested if it meant starting on the bottom rung of the ladder. Obviously, it didn’t come to anything," he added. Taylor further wrote: "Ben was sincere about playing for New Zealand, but NZC would’ve had to have acted swiftly and decisively and given him some pretty solid assurances, which Vaughan clearly wasn’t prepared to do.’’ Thus, had NZC provided Stokes more stability, the current England Test captain would have been playing for New Zealand in today's times. For the unversed, he was born in NZ on June 4, 1991, and is now hailed as one of the finest all-rounders in the modern era.

'He was keen': Ross Taylor reveals Ben Stokes was eager to play for NZ, shares interesting tale

Suzie Bates compiled her 12th ODI century and became the first New Zealand batter, and fourth overall, to reach 5,000 runs in the format as the hosts beat Pakistan by 71 runs to end an otherwise disappointing Women's World Cup campaign on a positive note here on Saturday.

After Bates' magnificent century guided New Zealand to 265 for eight, a maiden five-wicket haul from medium-pacer Hannah Rowe helped New Zealand register a comfortable victory at the Hagley Oval.

Bates hit 126 from just 135 deliveries in the White Ferns' total and that proved too much for Pakistan as Rowe picked up 5/55 to effectively seal the result for New Zealand.

The victory is unlikely to help the Kiwis reach the semi-finals of the tournament though, with New Zealand now requiring both England and India to record large losses on Sunday to have any chance of sneaking in.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/absolute-nonsense-shoaib-akhtar-lashes-out-at-pcb-and-babar-azam-co-after-defeat-against-australia-465645">Absolute nonsense! Shoaib Akhtar lashes out at PCB and Babar Azam &amp; Co. after defeat against Australia</a>

It means the tournament hosts will most likely finish in sixth place on the standings, while Pakistan will end eighth with one victory from their seven matches in the tournament.

New Zealand will be left to wonder what could have been, especially after the way Bates played as she compiled her fourth World Cup hundred.

The New Zealand veteran hit 14 boundaries during her 135-ball innings as she brought up her 5000th ODI run for her country while pacing New Zealand's healthy total on what was an excellent batting wicket.

Many of Bates' fellow batters got starts, but Katey Martin (30 not out), Brooke Holliday (29), Amelia Kerr (24) and Maddy Green (23) weren't able to match the exploits of their more experienced teammate.

Nida Dar (3/39) was the pick of the Pakistan bowlers, which included two wickets in three deliveries early in her spell that disrupted New Zealand's highly-rated top-order.

Dar was also the mainstay of Pakistan's run chase, with her entertaining knock of 50 keeping her side in with a glimmer of hope of reaching the victory target.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australia-test-captain-pat-cummins-excited-for-sri-lanka-india-tours-after-success-in-pakistan-465540">Australia Test captain Pat Cummins excited for Sri Lanka, India tours after success in Pakistan</a>

While Dar and skipper Bismah Maroof (38) were together at the crease there was an outside chance, but New Zealand managed to pick up wickets at crucial stages to deflate Pakistan prospects.

While it was spinner Frances Mackay (2/29) that did the damage at the top of the Pakistan run chase, it was Rowe that sealed the contest by running through their middle order in style.

Rowe had Maroof caught behind to end an 82-run stand with Dar and then dismissed Aliya Riaz for one and got the key wicket of Dar to send Pakistan tumbling from 155/3 to 158/6.

That decisive spell proved enough as Pakistan's last wickets fell tamely to leave New Zealand enough time to cruise home.

Suzie Bates compiled her 12th ODI century and became the first New Zealand batter, and fourth overall, to reach 5,000 runs in the format as the hosts beat Pakistan by 71 runs to end an otherwise disappointing Women's World Cup campaign on a positive note here on Saturday.

Suzie Bates compiled her 12th ODI century and became the first New Zealand batter, and fourth overall, to reach 5,000 runs in the format as the hosts beat Pakistan by 71 runs to end an otherwise disappointing Women's World Cup campaign on a positive note here on Saturday. After Bates' magnificent century guided New Zealand to 265 for eight, a maiden five-wicket haul from medium-pacer Hannah Rowe helped New Zealand register a comfortable victory at the Hagley Oval. Bates hit 126 from just 135 deliveries in the White Ferns' total and that proved too much for Pakistan as Rowe picked up 5/55 to effectively seal the result for New Zealand. The victory is unlikely to help the Kiwis reach the semi-finals of the tournament though, with New Zealand now requiring both England and India to record large losses on Sunday to have any chance of sneaking in. ALSO READ: Absolute nonsense! Shoaib Akhtar lashes out at PCB and Babar Azam & Co. after defeat against Australia It means the tournament hosts will most likely finish in sixth place on the standings, while Pakistan will end eighth with one victory from their seven matches in the tournament. New Zealand will be left to wonder what could have been, especially after the way Bates played as she compiled her fourth World Cup hundred. The New Zealand veteran hit 14 boundaries during her 135-ball innings as she brought up her 5000th ODI run for her country while pacing New Zealand's healthy total on what was an excellent batting wicket. Many of Bates' fellow batters got starts, but Katey Martin (30 not out), Brooke Holliday (29), Amelia Kerr (24) and Maddy Green (23) weren't able to match the exploits of their more experienced teammate. Nida Dar (3/39) was the pick of the Pakistan bowlers, which included two wickets in three deliveries early in her spell that disrupted New Zealand's highly-rated top-order. Dar was also the mainstay of Pakistan's run chase, with her entertaining knock of 50 keeping her side in with a glimmer of hope of reaching the victory target. ALSO READ: Australia Test captain Pat Cummins excited for Sri Lanka, India tours after success in Pakistan While Dar and skipper Bismah Maroof (38) were together at the crease there was an outside chance, but New Zealand managed to pick up wickets at crucial stages to deflate Pakistan prospects. While it was spinner Frances Mackay (2/29) that did the damage at the top of the Pakistan run chase, it was Rowe that sealed the contest by running through their middle order in style. Rowe had Maroof caught behind to end an 82-run stand with Dar and then dismissed Aliya Riaz for one and got the key wicket of Dar to send Pakistan tumbling from 155/3 to 158/6. That decisive spell proved enough as Pakistan's last wickets fell tamely to leave New Zealand enough time to cruise home.

Women's World Cup: Suzie Bates' ton, Hannah Rowe's five-for powers New Zealand to 71-run win over Pakistan

After New Zealand had abandoned Pakistan tour right before the toss of the tour-opener was set to take place on September 17, there were severe criticism of the NZC. However, looks like bygones are now bygones as the New Zealand Cricket Board (NZC) and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have reached a conclusion as the Black Caps are set to tour Pakistan twice in late 2022-early 2023 and also return for more limited-overs fixtures in April 2023.&nbsp;

The official Twitter handle of the PCB shared the development with one and all on Monday (December 20) and wrote, "Brace yourselves! New Zealand to tour Pakistan for two Tests and three ODIs in December/January 2022-23 and will return in April 2023 for 10 white-ball matches. Exciting, right?"

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bcci-announces-appointment-of-various-committees-at-the-90th-annual-general-meeting-437993">BCCI announces appointment of various committees at the 90th Annual General Meeting</a>

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Brace yourselves! New Zealand to tour Pakistan for two Tests and three ODIs in December/January 2022-23 and will return in April 2023 for 10 white-ball matches. Exciting, right?<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/harhaalmaincricket?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#harhaalmaincricket</a> <a href="https://t.co/IRwgcOsYoq">pic.twitter.com/IRwgcOsYoq</a>
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheRealPCB/status/1472786336889278469?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 20, 2021</a></blockquote>
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ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/2000-runs-in-a-year-mohammad-rizwan-sets-new-t20-world-record-with-87-run-knock-against-west-indies-437594">2000 runs in a year! Mohammad Rizwan sets new T20 world record with 87-run knock against West Indies</a>

PCB chairman and former Pakistan captain Ramiz Raja was quoted as saying, I am pleased with the outcomes of our discussions and negotiations, and thank Martin Snedden and his board for their understanding and support. This reflects the strong, cordial and historic relations the two boards have and reconfirms Pakistan’s status as an important member of the cricket fraternity."&nbsp;

Black Caps' first visit to Pakistan, in late 2022 and early 2023, will comprise two Tests (as a part of the second cycle of the ICC World Championship) and three ODIs as part of the ICC Super League.&nbsp;

Then, the Kiwis will again return to the Asian country for ten more limited-overs fixtures, in the form of five ODIs and equal number of T20Is. Thus, the fans who were deprived of NZ-Pak rivalry earlier this year will have plenty of action between the two cricketing giants in the coming future.

For the unversed, Pakistan will also host Australia and England in their backyard in the near future and have been granted the hosting rights for the 2025 Champions Trophy as well.

After New Zealand had abandoned Pakistan tour right before the toss of the tour-opener was set to take place on September 17, there were severe criticism of the NZC.

After New Zealand had abandoned Pakistan tour right before the toss of the tour-opener was set to take place on September 17, there were severe criticism of the NZC. However, looks like bygones are now bygones as the New Zealand Cricket Board (NZC) and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have reached a conclusion as the Black Caps are set to tour Pakistan twice in late 2022-early 2023 and also return for more limited-overs fixtures in April 2023. The official Twitter handle of the PCB shared the development with one and all on Monday (December 20) and wrote, "Brace yourselves! New Zealand to tour Pakistan for two Tests and three ODIs in December/January 2022-23 and will return in April 2023 for 10 white-ball matches. Exciting, right?" ALSO READ | BCCI announces appointment of various committees at the 90th Annual General Meeting Brace yourselves! New Zealand to tour Pakistan for two Tests and three ODIs in December/January 2022-23 and will return in April 2023 for 10 white-ball matches. Exciting, right?#harhaalmaincricket pic.twitter.com/IRwgcOsYoq — Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) December 20, 2021 × ALSO READ | 2000 runs in a year! Mohammad Rizwan sets new T20 world record with 87-run knock against West Indies PCB chairman and former Pakistan captain Ramiz Raja was quoted as saying, I am pleased with the outcomes of our discussions and negotiations, and thank Martin Snedden and his board for their understanding and support. This reflects the strong, cordial and historic relations the two boards have and reconfirms Pakistan’s status as an important member of the cricket fraternity." Black Caps' first visit to Pakistan, in late 2022 and early 2023, will comprise two Tests (as a part of the second cycle of the ICC World Championship) and three ODIs as part of the ICC Super League. Then, the Kiwis will again return to the Asian country for ten more limited-overs fixtures, in the form of five ODIs and equal number of T20Is. Thus, the fans who were deprived of NZ-Pak rivalry earlier this year will have plenty of action between the two cricketing giants in the coming future. For the unversed, Pakistan will also host Australia and England in their backyard in the near future and have been granted the hosting rights for the 2025 Champions Trophy as well.

2 Tests, 8 ODIs, 5 T20Is: Babar Azam-led Pakistan to host Kane Williamson's New Zealand in 2022-23

Plans to host a first day-night test in India later this year remain intact, the country&#39;s cricket board (BCCI) secretary said on Tuesday, dismissing a local media report that prospective opponents New Zealand had rejected the idea. 
 
In April, the BCCI decided that one match of a three-test series against New Zealand would be a day-night affair, pending trials of the pink-ball in a domestic tournament, with Kolkata&#39;s Eden Gardens a popular choice for the contest. 
 
A local media report claimed New Zealand Cricket (NZC) were wary of the dew factor and ground conditions in India during the series scheduled to start in September and had conveyed their reluctance to BCCI officials. 
 
BCCI secretary Ajay Shirke, in a text message to Reuters, said the plan remained very much on. 
 
An NZC spokesman confirmed New Zealand, who played the first pink-ball test against Australia in November, were committed to a day-night test in India. 
 
&quot;NZC has taken the precaution of contacting the BCCI to advise statements in the article regarding a day-night test are in no way representative of our position, and that no such comments have been made by our Board,&quot; the spokesperson told www.stuff.co.nz. 
 
&quot;The only comment NZC has made on the matter is that it&#39;s supportive of the concept... and that stance hasn&#39;t changed.&quot;&nbsp; 
 
(Reuters)&nbsp;

A New Zealand media report had claimed the Kiwis were wary of Indian ground conditions and the dew factor

Plans to host a first day-night test in India later this year remain intact, the country's cricket board (BCCI) secretary said on Tuesday, dismissing a local media report that prospective opponents New Zealand had rejected the idea. In April, the BCCI decided that one match of a three-test series against New Zealand would be a day-night affair, pending trials of the pink-ball in a domestic tournament, with Kolkata's Eden Gardens a popular choice for the contest. A local media report claimed New Zealand Cricket (NZC) were wary of the dew factor and ground conditions in India during the series scheduled to start in September and had conveyed their reluctance to BCCI officials. BCCI secretary Ajay Shirke, in a text message to Reuters, said the plan remained very much on. An NZC spokesman confirmed New Zealand, who played the first pink-ball test against Australia in November, were committed to a day-night test in India. "NZC has taken the precaution of contacting the BCCI to advise statements in the article regarding a day-night test are in no way representative of our position, and that no such comments have been made by our Board," the spokesperson told www.stuff.co.nz. "The only comment NZC has made on the matter is that it's supportive of the concept... and that stance hasn't changed." (Reuters)

India still keen on hosting day-night cricket test against New Zealand

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Kane Williamson resigns as New Zealand Test captain, Tim Southee named his successor

'He was keen': Ross Taylor reveals Ben Stokes was eager to play for NZ, shares interesting tale

Women's World Cup: Suzie Bates' ton, Hannah Rowe's five-for powers New Zealand to 71-run win over Pakistan

2 Tests, 8 ODIs, 5 T20Is: Babar Azam-led Pakistan to host Kane Williamson's New Zealand in 2022-23

India still keen on hosting day-night cricket test against New Zealand