Blackcaps great Williamson sets sights on career-first in tantalising Test tour of Australia

Blackcaps great Kane Williamson has hinted the recently confirmed Test tour to Australia in 2026/27 is the kind of irresistible dangling carrot that will ensure he remains in the NZ whites for some time yet.

Earlier this week, Cricket Australia confirmed the schedule for four Tests against the Blackcaps in Australia. The series takes place in the primetime Christmas/New Year's window, including the iconic Boxing Day fixture at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Williamson, who will be 36 years old by the time that tour rolls around, notes it will be the first time in his hallowed career he would have been involved in a Test series stretching beyond three matches.

And the additional bonus of those matches taking place in Australia - the ultimate proving ground for Test cricketers - makes for a tantalising proposition.

The Blackcaps haven't played a four-Test series since 1999, when they beat England 2-1 on their own home soil.

"It's a wee way away but very exciting," Williamson told SENZ's The Run Home.

"Four Test matches in a series isn't something we get too often, in fact I'm not sure if I've ever been part of one. We've always had two or three.

"Also in Australia, such a great opportunity. They certainly love the game, Boxing Day Test is always special."

It will also be a chance to gain some semblance of revenge for their last Boxing Day Test in Australia back in 2019, when a huge travelling contingent of Kiwis were forced to endure a 247-run pasting that finished inside four days.

The first Test of that tour was even worse for the visitors, with Australia cruising to a 296-run victory in Perth.

"We were fortunate to participate in that a few years back, which was great, so it'll be nice to get an opportunity to go back."

Of more immediate concern for Williamson and his teammates is their upcoming Test tour of the subcontinent, where matches against Afghanistan and Sri Lanka will be followed with another of the most daunting challenges in cricket - a three-Test series in India.

Throw their mouthwatering home series against England later this year into the mix and Kiwi cricket fans desperate for some red-ball action should have those needs well and truly satiated.

"Yeah, it's a really exciting time ahead," Williamson added.

"Quite a big break between Test series so we've pretty much got six, or even nine I guess, if you include the home series against England, on the bounce.

"So quite a busy time coming up. For most of the players it's been nice to have a little bit of time at home, as we do spend quite a bit of time on the road, and do some preparation.

"We've been doing a few camps as a team, in trying to simulate some of those conditions as much as we can. But it's just been nice to connect with the group again."

The Blackcaps will kick off their stretch in whites against Afghanistan in a one-off Test in India.

Listen to the full interview below: