'It's not just about me': Williamson explains retirement timing

Kane Williamson had two more Tests left on New Zealand's tour of England and a packed home summer ahead, featuring a full home series against India and a four-Test tour of Australia. But the 35-year-old said his decision to retire midway through the ongoing series was driven by a desire to put the team's future ahead of extending his own career, insisting he did not want to "exhaust" it simply for the sake of playing a few more matches.

"It does feel good to not exhaust it because it's not just about you. This decision, there's a lot of factors and the deep care for the team. Having captained it for so long and being a real driver of that, that's a part of it. I love the game and the craft and that's been a massive focus in my life. But gearing that towards that greater cause, which is what we've done as a group, and what it's got out of this team, has been what's special.

"I won't necessarily reflect on the runs. You ask me now, remember that score, and I'll probably struggle to pinpoint it. But the growth and how we look to do it as a group, and what you give yourself to, honestly that's the part. And that's also part of being here now."

Williamson revealed the decision to retire simmered through the course of the Lord's Test, and he became increasingly convinced it was the right time to step aside.

"Sitting up there on the balcony and thinking a bit about it and then taking a bit of time with the days post that and getting comfortable with it. It's been a process, but it does feel like the right time. I've given everything to this team and it's given me a lot more in return. When I look at the dressing room now and I see the talent and the journey that I think this team's looking to go on, it just feels like the right time for me to step away."

The 35-year-old repeatedly returned to the idea that the team's future mattered more than adding a few more appearances to his record.

"I've given it my full commitment every time I've gone out and played for New Zealand and I've really valued that. I didn't really see being on a team sheet and adding a couple of games as being the most important thing. You look back on perhaps your own time there, and you might score a few runs and you have a few wins. But being a part of a group that draws a lot out of you, and that you care so much about, is the thing that I've appreciated so much. It's my reasons and nobody else's, but it's based on team and change, and that's why it feels comfortable for me now."

When reminded about his standing in New Zealand cricket, finishing as one of the all-time greats, Williamson was typically reluctant to focus on his own achievements.

"This will probably frustrate you and you might say typical, but I don't think of it so much like that. We've had an amazing group of people that have done some pretty cool things and that's what I reflect on. One of my little things is I'll remind myself that the runs aren't yours, they're of service. So you do everything you can to be a little bit better and give a little bit more. That's how I've gone about my career."

Looking back on a 16-year international career, Williamson said the team environment would remain his strongest memory.

"You remember your first Test and it was just the best thing ever. If it was never to happen again, you've got your baggy and it's incredible. Then 16 years later you're standing here and you're having a choice to make this decision. To then be a part of something so much more, which is that team aspect, is an absolute highlight of my time in the New Zealand cricket team."

Williamson said he had no immediate plans for the next chapter of his life, although he did enjoy spending some time in coaching.

"No sort of immediate plans. I've had a little bit of time in the coaching space, enjoyed that and we'll see. I'll take a few days with the family and have a look at what's next."

About playing domestic cricket, he hasn't made up his mind on that yet. "I'll let you know. If you see me out there then I'm out there. I'm just going to cross that bridge when I come to it."

As for how he would like to be remembered, Williamson's answer was characteristically understated. "Just someone that cared deeply about the team and always wanted to do more, and was deeply committed to my craft as a cricketer. And I'm just really, really grateful for it all."