WELLINGTON: Former New Zealand captain Kane Williamson has said he hopes to continue playing until the 2027 World Cup as he prepares to make his return for his country in the three-match One-day International series against England, which starts on Sunday.

The 35-year-old batting great has not featured for New Zealand in any format since the Champions Trophy final defeat at the hands of India in March but will feature in the team that faces the tourists at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui.

“Not [looking] too far ahead,” Williamson said when asked about his plans beyond the upcoming season. “At the back of my mind, there’s probably the ODI World Cup. There’s always other things. Test cricket is pretty dear to me as well.

“Really, it’s a little bit about what I want, and little bit more about what the team wants and where it’s going and what we’re sort of buying into.

“Just 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 really respectful of the fact that this is a team in a special place.

“They’re always trying to build towards something, so for me, in this phase of my career, if I’m there and able to add to it, brilliant.”

Williamson, arguably his country’s finest batsman, said a changed “life situation” has reduced his availability; having missed a Test series in Zimbabwe and home T20 series this month against Australia and England.

said his international availability is limited by a desire to spend more time with his young family, as well as play in lucrative professional leagues. “As your life situation changes, as mine has, the balance between where you spend your time and give your attention is really, really important,” Williamson said.

“So still being able to play for New Zealand and play the sport that I love at the highest level is great. But the balance is the most important thing for me.”

Since his debut in 2010 Williamson has scored 9,276 Test runs at an average of 54.88 to be comfortably New Zealand’s most prolific batsman.

He has gradually reduced his commitments over the last two years, relinquishing the captaincy in all formats.

His “casual” contract with the national body requires him to commit to only certain series and tournaments.

Williamson has spent much of this year in England, where he was captain of London Spirit in the men’s Hundred competition, as well as playing for Middlesex.

He is yet to play under new national coach Rob Walter but has spoken with him extensively about availability

“It’s just an ongoing communication with New Zealand Cricket and with Rob, and I’m grateful for that,” Williamson said.

“It’s a lot about the balance, with family 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.”

Willamson captained New Zealand in 41 of his 105 Test appearances as well as during 91 of his 173 ODI matches and he gave his backing to current Test captain Tom Latham plus one-day skipper Mitchell Santner.

“I played a little with Santner in the one-dayers in the Champions Trophy and he has a really astute cricketing brain,” said Williamson. “Calm, cool sort of character, so looking forward to playing alongside him again.

“In the Tests, with Tommy Latham, he’s done the job a number of times over the years and now it’s his own and he’s doing a fantastic job. He’s incredibly organised and passionate about the group and about test cricket. It’s great he’s at the helm.”

Williamson is one of five Black Caps on casual playing agreements with New Zealand Cricket, including Lockie Ferguson, Devon Conway, Finn Allen and Tim Seifert.

Published in Dawn, October 26th, 2025