Williamson wants 'additional resources to support the growth' of Test cricket globally

Kane Williamson wants all stakeholders to give "greater importance" to Test cricket, especially in countries where the format faces the most challenges.

"There's been a lot of discussion about the Test game and how to keep breathing life into it, especially in countries where it's facing greater challenges," Williamson said on the sidelines of the CEAT Cricket Rating Awards in Mumbai on Tuesday. "The concern with a potential two-tier system is how teams in the second tier can continue to improve and work their way up to the top division.

"There are already many conversations around this, but the reality is that the impact has been felt for some time, so finding a solution sooner would be better. The Test format needs greater importance placed on it by all playing nations, along with additional resources to support its growth. As a passionate supporter of Test cricket, I would love to see it thrive."

Williamson, who has called for tweaks, like designated windows for Test cricket in the past, supported the argument against two-match Test series, but also recognised the challenges faced by certain boards to host longer series.

"These circumstances aren't ideal, but the Test game faces more challenges in some countries than others. Organising three- or four-match Test series is difficult commercially, making it hard for boards to support," he said. "However, the Test Championship has helped provide context, leading to more results and making the competition meaningful for teams.

"While some adjustments are needed, the international schedule is very busy with both international and franchise cricket, creating clashes and challenges for players. Managing priorities on the calendar is a big task.

"Two-match Test series aren't ideal - I've played many for New Zealand and we always want more [games in a series] - but often this is the reality. I would love to see the Test game grow with more opportunities for teams and countries to develop, but those are complex discussions."

Williamson is now 35 and has opted out of a central contract with New Zealand Cricket and is on a casual agreement, meaning his international appearances have been and will continue to be sporadic. However, he insists that there is plenty more left in his international career.

"I still love playing the game, and every opportunity to represent New Zealand remains special," he said. "I recently spent some time in England, and although the team [New Zealand] hasn't played a lot of cricket lately, we have a busy schedule ahead.

"Looking back on my international career, I feel incredibly grateful for the journey. There have been transitions with new players coming in, and for me, it's been about moving from captaincy to continuing as part of the group. I still feel connected to that community and want to contribute to a team that's heading in the right direction. There's always plenty to look forward to."

Last year, injuries had ruled Williamson out of New Zealand's three-Test series in India where they inflicted a historic 3-0 whitewash on the hosts, the first time India had been swept in a series of three or more Tests at home and also India's first Test series defeat at home since England beat them in 2012.

Williamson, who had captained New Zealand to another famous win over India - the one that won them the World Test Championship title in 2021 - dubbed the series win he had missed as New Zealand's greatest achievement in Test cricket.

"I believe our achievement in a three-Test series in India stands as probably our finest accomplishment as a Test-playing nation," he said. "As we have witnessed over the years, competing - and especially winning - here is a major challenge. What the New Zealand team accomplished was remarkable and is undoubtedly a standout highlight in the history of our game."