ENG vs NZ: Is Kane Williamson retiring from Test cricket? Simon Doull’s cryptic ‘big announcement’ tease sparks speculation originally appeared on Cricket News.
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KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Kane Williamson continues his struggling form with just 18 runs across two innings against England, including a duck.
- Post-match, former New Zealand pacer Simon Doull teased a big announcement, fueling widespread speculation about Williamson’s Test retirement.
- Williamson is 485 runs away from 10,000 Test runs, with two more Tests against England and a home series against India still to come
Is Kane Williamson retiring from Test cricket? Simon Doull’s cryptic ‘big announcement’ tease sparks speculation
Kane Williamson has been going through a slump with just 18 runs in two innings against England in the first test at Lord’s. This included a duck at the hands of Ollie Robinson. With the former skipper turning 36 this August, many fans are wondering how long he is going to continue with the national side.
But while the speculation was already sky-high, it was further fuelled by former New Zealand pacer turned commentator Simon Doull, who dropped a cryptic hint during commentary on Sky Sports NZ that a significant announcement was imminent.
His reluctance to divulge any further details only amplified the frenzy that followed across cricket social media platforms. What adds to Doull’s remark is the fact that Williamson himself hinted ahead of the match at Lord’s that this could be his final appearance at the iconic venue.
What did Doull have to say about Williamson?
Doull’s remarks added considerable weight to that suggestion, with fans drawing their own conclusions from an exchange short on detail but long on implication. “I’ve got an inkling. There is something coming at some stage. Drop day or tomorrow,” he said.
Doull continued, “I just think there might be something coming in the next day or two.” But while Doull seems reluctant to actually say anything, Williamson’s declining form might actually add more weight to the rumors about his retirement than fans would like to believe.
Cryptic from Simon Doull… 😅🤔 pic.twitter.com/6khAwVUBKG
— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) June 7, 2026
But what the fans can’t accept is Williamson’s record in the longest format. Across 109 matches, he has scored 9515 runs over 195 innings at an average of 54.1. This includes 33 centuries and more than 38 half-centuries. He remains just 485 runs away from the milestone of being the 16th test batsman to score 10,000 test runs.
He will also become the first New Zealander to get that milestone if he scores those runs. With that in mind, the fans are desperate for him to continue.
What did the fans have to say about the rumours?
Fans around the world were quite vocal about Williamson retiring. One fan mentioned, “I know the next match will be Williamson’s last test match. Mark this…” Given Williamson’s own remarks and Doull’s suggestion, they believe that the New Zealander’s career might be done after all.
Another fan just wants the star to remain for the India series. “I know Kane will retire, but it will be good if he retires after the India series at home, and pls take Latham and Blundell with him.” As a fan-favorite among Indian fans, they want the former skipper to stay for one final Indian series.
Williamson retiring?
Following Kohli’s footsteps retiring just before 10K Test runs. pic.twitter.com/wTUITGhaIk— Dinda Academy (@academy_dinda) June 7, 2026
“Please don’t retire at this point. You’re just 485 runs away from 10,000 Test runs. Play these two Tests against England and the two home Tests against India, score those 500 runs, and then do whatever you want, man,” one fan pleaded, hoping Williamson would not follow the path of Virat Kohli, who retired before reaching the milestone.
Whether the announcement Doull referenced relates to Williamson’s Test career remains to be seen. New Zealand’s next Test against England at Trent Bridge will provide some clarity, with the Black Caps and their supporters bracing for what many in the cricket world are already quietly expecting.
Is Kane Williamson actually going to retire from Tests mid-series? To keep up to date with all the latest cricket news and share your opinion on the biggest topics visit our Facebook, Instagram and X (Twitter) pages.
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