Williamson revealed he spoke with Virat Kohli the day before announcing his decision. He described it as “like looking in the mirror”, with the pair sharing a unique understanding of the pressures and emotions that come with life at the pointy end of international cricket.
But this being The ACC, the conversation wasn’t allowed to become too sensible. There’s Williamson’s new obsession with golf, his admission that his favourite shadow-batting shot was actually a leave, plus a surprisingly extensive discussion about cricket boxes, including Mitch Marsh celebrating being struck flush while wearing Williamson’s Cover protection.
More importantly for Black Caps fans, Williamson delivers a fairly sizeable call on the team he’s left behind.
“This is the most talented New Zealand cricket team I’ve ever been a part of.”
He explains why the next step is for the new generation to truly take ownership of the side, while singling out the depth of New Zealand’s bowling stocks.
Retirement, Kohli, golf, the future of the Black Caps and, inevitably, getting hit in the downstairs department. It’s Kane Williamson, but probably not quite as you’ve heard him before.
Watch or listen to the full interview below.