New Zealand ace batter Kane Williamson has paid tribute to Tim Southee after his announcement of Test retirement at the end of the England series. Kane also reflected the incredible series victory in India and levelled that as one of their all-time cricketing memories.

Kane Williamson missed out the entire India Test series after sustaining a groin injury running between the wickets in the second innings of the second Test in Galle. Kane also turned down an NZC contract this year but he remains committed across formats. He termed the Blackcaps victory over India down under as one of their all-time cricketing memories.

"It was a lot of internal temptation [to try and get there], for sure, then after a few discussions it was keep taking that time to get it right so that's what I did," he said. "Suffered a little bit of FOMO, which is a good thing, but just admired it really. To go over and play the way they did, so special, one of our all-time cricketing memories."

"It's not major, which is good," he said. "Think post knee [injury] there's always little curlys that bob their heads so actually making sure I keep putting that time in. For so long you feel invincible, and I've certainly had a few reminders that's not the case recently and making sure that I'm staying on top of all those things and keeping the body in check."

Kane Williamson started his cricketing career with Tim Southee, as the duo played U-19 World Cup together and then went for playing 100 Tests for New Zealand. Kane is the New Zealand's highest run-getter in Test Cricket, while Southee is second only to Sir Richard Hadlee on the top wicket list with his 385 and still he has a chance of reaching 400 against England.

"Playing so long together, you just go through so much," Williamson told reporters in Hamilton ahead of his first game for Northern Districts since 2019 where Southee will also line up. "Both doing stints in leadership roles and you go through different turbulent times, then you have some good ones as well and they are all part of the experience. To do it as long as Tim has is incredible as a fast bowler, there's not many in the history of the game who have been able to achieve what he has. Such a huge member [and] leader of our side and a close friend as well."