New Zealand have appointed Kane Williamson as their captain in all three formats of the game.
Williamson, ranked by the ICC as the third best batsman in the world, has already led the one-day international and Twenty20 sides following the retirement of Brendon McCullum, but his position now becomes official while also being named the Test captain.
The 25-year-old, who will return to Yorkshire for a third year in June, is proud to become the 49th five-day captain of his country, having already skippered 36 short-format games.
He said: “It’s certainly an honour. I’ve really enjoyed my time spent as captain and believe this team can achieve a lot.
“I’m lucky to have a number of experienced players around me for support and will certainly look to utilise this. We’re all striving for the same thing and that’s to represent New Zealand with pride and win cricket games.:
Also see: Spin is in – From India to New Zealand, spinning's new golden age on show in World T20
“I’ve certainly learnt a lot from Brendon, as has everyone who has played with him.
“The culture that he and (coach) Mike (Hesson) have cultivated has been a huge part of this team’s success in recent times. We not only have good players, but good people too and that certainly makes any captain’s job easier.”
New Zealand Cricket CEO David White added: “Kane has been a leader within the team for a long time now and already shown himself to be an extremely capable captain.
“He’s respected by his peers and the wider cricket community for his professional approach both on and off the field, and has a superb cricket brain.
“His drive to see the team succeed and his passion for the game are what you look for in a leader. He’s ready for the role and will only continue to grow.”
Williamson will have to wait until later this summer until his side are next in action as they tour Zimbabwe and South Africa.
Allan Donald to join Australia coaching staff
Former South Africa bowler Allan Donald will join Australia’s coaching staff for their forthcoming tour of Sri Lanka.
Donald, who took 330 Test wickets, recently ended a four-year stint as the Proteas’ bowling coach and will take on a similar position in Darren Lehmann’s backroom team for the trip to Asia, which comprises of three Tests, five one-day internationals and two Twenty20 internationals.
Donald previously worked with England and Warwickshire prior to his appointment with the South African team and is currently coaching the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL.
Lehmann said: “He brings a wealth of experience with him and our guys will benefit greatly from having him around.
“His Test record speaks for itself and he was without a doubt one of the most formidable bowlers of his generation.
“He has also had considerable success in sub-continent conditions and will bring a fresh perspective, and challenge some of our thinking.”
Donald is joined in the coaching ranks by former Australia batsman Stuart Law, who will act as batting coach for the Test series while Greg Blewett takes paternity leave.
Law has previously worked in that role while also coaching the Sri Lankans.
Lehmann added: “It’s great to have Stu back in the Australian team for this period.
“He has been doing some great work at the National Cricket Centre with our age-grade teams and Australia A, and his knowledge of batting in Sri Lanka is a huge advantage for us on this tour.”
Former Indian bowler Sridharan Sriram has been appointed as fielding consultant for the Test series, which begins in July.
Ireland to host New Zealand and Bangladesh in 2017 ODI tri-series
Ireland have reiterated their desire to test themselves against the best teams on a regular basis after announcing they will host a one-day international tri-series against New Zealand and Bangladesh next year.
The three teams will play against each other twice in May 2017 with the series helping the Kiwis and the Tigers prepare for the ICC Champions Trophy in England.
Ireland, an associate nation, did not qualify for that competition and have long bemoaned their lack of fixtures against full member teams in-between global tournaments.
“Gone are the days - we hope - of being starved of the matches we deserve,” Cricket Ireland chief executive Warren Deutrom said.
“Rather than getting nine or 10 ODIs in the four years between World Cups, we aim to play at least that number annually.
“For years now, we have been asking for more matches to test our players, to raise the profile of our sport, to bring in new fans, and to attract more investment - but we’ve always struggled.”
Next year’s matches against New Zealand will see Ireland coach John Bracewell come up against his native country, for who he played 41 Tests and 53 one-day internationals before coaching them from 2003 until 2008.
Ireland have played just two ODIs against the Black Caps, losing both, while they have won only two of seven 50-over matches against Bangladesh.
Follow us on Twitter @NatSportUAE
Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/TheNationalSport
