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FIFA World Cup 2026 posterFull circle moment as Williamson prepares to farewell 'Home of Cricket'
Alex Chapman • June 3rd, 2026 11:28 am
Kane Williamson | Photo: Photosport
When it comes to the stages upon which cricket hosts its performers, there is none grander than Lord’s.
But the first Test against England could be the final curtain call for New Zealand’s lead protagonist.
"Yeah, probably eh," Kane Williamson conceded to media on Wednesday (NZ time), when pushed on if this would be his final appearance at Lord’s.
"Yeah it is, and you're delaying my lunch actually, which isn't very good of you," he added, as a light chorus of laughter ensued.
Ever the entertainer, Williamson is more often met with applause than amusement at the North London Ground.
After his stint with Middlesex last year, the 'Home of Cricket' is hardly an unfamiliar place for New Zealand’s greatest batter, but it will likely be the last time the welcome mat is rolled out.
At 35 years old, and with a Future Test Programme schedule yet to be released beyond 2027, Williamson’s unlikely to don the black cap again at the venue.
It’s a ground he’s done so four times before in Tests, appearing once on the Honour’s Board for his 132 in a loss in 2015.
Williamson points to the “tradition” of it for what adds to the mesmerising nature of it.
“It's unique to Lord's. The history that surrounds it. The effort that goes into all of that.
Kane Williamson | Photo: Photosport
"You come here, and you notice those differences to all other grounds. And I mean, every ground is different. But walking out to the pitch through the Long Room, bumping into a few members, and obviously the lunches are iconic. There's a number of things that are memorable here.”
And then there’s the slope.
“I don't know if it's a matter of belief, but it's just a fact. You stand there on the ground and it exists.” Williamson jested when asked if he believes in the quirky characteristic.
There’s an air of irony of the full circle moment that awaits the two sides this week.
Almost four years ago to the day the first steps were taken through the Long Room and into the Brendon McCullum-Ben Stokes era for England, with the Blackcaps waiting as their first opponents.
Back then, there was the unknown of what England would dish out. Fast forward to this week, and it remains the same.
The suggestion of “Bazball 3.0” is a prospect Williamson couldn’t help but laugh at.
As McCullum explained it, they’re wanting to “be a team better under pressure, navigate tactically, and can understand where you sit in the game and what’s required.
“We know where we’ve fallen short, we’ve started to make some plans and plays to rectify that. And once we get to the start line in a couple of days time, we’ll see those methods tested.”
His former deputy was quick to acknowledge that England aren’t rebuilding, given they “have a hell of a lot of experience and a number of world class players who have done it for a long time.
“We're in a similar position really with some experience and some younger players as well," Williamson added. "So it's great to come over here.
Kane Williamson on his cricketing future | Sport Nation
"It's always a great battle against England and I know the team's looking forward to it.”
England will field at least one debutant on the opening day of the summer, with opening bat Emilio Gay named in a 12-man squad. Sonny Baker could also be given his cap, should the hosts opt for him over Gus Atkinson, depending on as McCullum put it “air speed”, while Shoaib Bashir’s been confirmed for a test recall after being left out for the Ashes.
And while the Blackcaps are to satiate hunger and indulge in the multiple-course, marvellous menu at Lord’s, their fans will be watering at the mouth at the prospect of a pace attack worthy of being in the conversation of one of the world’s best.
Matt Henry’s overcome the hamstring niggle which saw him join Will O’Rourke and Kyle Jamieson early in London as part of a trio that offers seam, swing, bounce and vastly different types of actions.
“It's a good attack.” Williamson stated.
“You want people that can do a little bit with the ball. And we've got that. We've got a bit of variety as well, which is exciting.
"The ball is one thing, the conditions are another, and we're seeing at times in the Indian series against England, that was a slightly different looking sort of Test cricket. I think there's a few overheads coming up early on in the game, so that plays a big part.
“We spend most of our time using Kookaburras and they don't respond quite as much as the Dukes. I know certainly in the nets they look like they're having a bit of fun and we're doing our very best as batsmen. They're looking forward to that opportunity and it'll be a great series.”
New chapters rather than novels await both sides, as the book of Kane nears its close.
