Latham Urges Senior Players to Step Up as New Zealand Faces Summer Without Williamson

New Zealand's Tom Latham emphasized the need for senior players to step up in the absence of former captain Kane Williamson during part of the home summer. As Williamson plans to play T20 cricket in South Africa, Latham faces an increased responsibility. New Zealand Cricket's summer schedule includes a three-test series against England and white-ball series with Sri Lanka and Pakistan.

New Zealand's senior players must step up to compensate for the loss of Kane Williamson when the former skipper opts out of part of the home summer, batsman Tom Latham said. Latham addressed reporters on Wednesday as New Zealand Cricket released its summer schedule, which starts with a three-test series against England in November, followed by white-ball series against Sri Lanka and Pakistan.

Williamson exited the white-ball captaincy after New Zealand's early exit from the T20 World Cup group phase. He intends to spend January playing T20 franchise cricket in South Africa, rather than representing the Black Caps. Latham, Williamson's long-time deputy, affirmed his increased responsibility to lead.

"I think we've seen over the years times when we haven't had senior guys, whether they're playing in the IPL or taking a rest," said Latham. "It gives an opportunity for me and other players to step up in different leadership roles."

Despite Latham's frequent role as stand-in captain, he missed the full-time test captaincy when Williamson stepped down, with the role going to fast bowler Tim Southee. New Zealand has not yet decided on a replacement for Williamson's white-ball captaincy, with Latham's T20 record possibly being a deciding factor.

The three-test series against England, starting in Christchurch on November 28, will be the only test cricket played in New Zealand's home summer amid worries about the growing influence of global T20 leagues. Latham, with 80 tests under his belt, noted the need for players to adapt to the changing dynamics of the sport.

(With inputs from agencies.)