NZ vs ENG 2025: Kane Williamson is 'still in love' with playing for New Zealand

Ahead of his much-awaited return to international cricket in the upcoming ODIs against England, veteran New Zealand batter Kane Williamson stated that discussions regarding his availability for the remainder of the home summer are still ongoing. At the same time, Williamson expressed his excitement about rejoining the national setup for the first time since the 2025 Champions Trophy.

Currently, on a casual contract with New Zealand Cricket (NZC), the senior batter had opted out of the three-match T20I series against Australia. Furthermore, he also missed the recent tour of Zimbabwe to focus on county cricket in England and participate in The Hundred, prioritizing match practice and form ahead of his international comeback.

“I mean it's just ongoing communication with New Zealand cricket, Rob (Walter, head coach) and I'm grateful for that. For me it's a lot about the balance with family etc and time away but also the delicate balance of being a part of this team that I've really loved and enjoyed for such a long period of time. So it's great to be back and amongst the one-dayers and we'll just keep sort of assessing what's next as we go,” said Williamson in a video shared by New Zealand Cricket (NZC) on Friday.

“As your life situation changes as mine has and incredibly grateful as well for that with three young children and the balance between where you spend your time and give your attention is really, really important to me. So still being able to play for New Zealand and play the sport that I love at the highest level is great, but balance is the most important thing for me,” he added.

He expressed his strong desire to continue playing cricket, saying he always strives to improve and enjoys experiencing different formats of the game. Williamson seemed excited upon his return to internationals, adding that it feels great to be back in the BlackCaps dugout.

“I still love the game, and have a strong desire to get better and train hard and offer whatever I can for the team and that's really important to me - as a young player or as a school kid that was always the thing was you just worked hard at your game, you always tried to get better and that's kind of not changed. It's been a huge part of my life for 15 plus years and been through a lot as a group and certainly a number of transitions and I guess a new head coach and some new players that those are just they're always there and sort of the leadership roles within the team for a number of years as well so you kind of just go through that journey and all these different spaces,” said Williamson.

“But I've just loved being a member of this group and playing with a bunch of people that are really sort of committed to each other and to the team. I'm looking forward to getting back with the group after what it's been since Champions Trophy and it's a special place and something that we want to certainly continue it to be - so with the environment etc. So nice to be back with a different group,” he added.

Not looking far ahead: Williamson

Although the 2027 ODI World Cup is approaching, the Wellington-born highlighted the significance of taking things one step at a time. He mentioned that while he loves playing Test cricket, he must wait and align with the team’s requirements. The pro batter added that being part of the national team is a special privilege, and he looks forward to contributing wherever he is needed.

“Not (looking) too far ahead I mean I guess back in my mind is there's probably the ODI World Cup and there's always other things, Test cricket is pretty dear to me as well so really it's a little bit about what I want and a little bit more about what the team wants and where it's going and what we're sort of buying into,” said Williamson.

“Like I say, just sort of keeping those lines of communication open to make sure that we're nice and focused and clear on what it looks like. But also being sort of really respectful of the fact that this is a team in a special place and they're always trying to build towards something. So for me in this phase of my career it's if I'm there and able to add to it, brilliant,” he added.