The retirement of Kane Williamson has undoubtedly left a huge void in New Zealand's Test setup. Having completed an international career of 16 years in the longer format of the game, the batting great has been New Zealand's leading run scorer in Tests and stands as one of their most successful captains in this form of the game. As the 35-year-old bows out from international cricket, selectors are now eyeing the next breed of batting talent who will look to take over from the retiring master. Several promising young batters have excelled at the domestic level and in the colours of New Zealand A in recent times. Here are 4 of the players who are good enough to be considered when looking to fill the Williamson-shaped hole in the New Zealand Test squad: 4 Players Who Could Replace Kane Williamson in New Zealand's Test Squad Curtis Heaphy Curtis Heaphy 108* for NZ-A vs SA-A pic.twitter.com/eIDVsTNI5t — The Niche Cache (@thenichecache) September 14, 2025 The 22-year-old Curtis Heaphy is undoubtedly one of the most promising young batting talents of the current New Zealand setup. Plying his trade for Central Districts in the first-class circuit, Heaphy has put up very good numbers for himself. He has scored 2,086 runs from 30 matches at a brilliant average of 44.38 with the help of 5 centuries. He is a regular in the New Zealand A sides and has had his chances to experience touring with them to Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, his performance in the latter having taken him even higher in the ranks of emerging talent, having registered scores of 162 at Hambantota, followed by 59 at Galle. Heaphy appears to be one of the strongest candidates for a future Test call-up, with Williamson's departure opening up a spot at the top of the order. Also Read | Kane Williamson Retires from International Cricket with Immediate Effect, Explains Decision Rhys Mariu Rhys Mariu 147 runs for Canterbury vs Auckland #PlunketShield pic.twitter.com/k9xIG8dvQ4 — The Niche Cache (@thenichecache) December 14, 2025 Rhys Mariu's first-class numbers provide very good arguments as to why he is ready for higher honours. Having scored 2,420 runs in 29 first-class games, he boasts of a career average of 52.60 including eight tons and as many half-tons, with a career-best of 249. Mariu too has represented New Zealand A in recent times and is also one of the consistent performers for his province. Although he might not have had recent Sri Lankan A success but, nevertheless, his career numbers stand for themselves. His capacity to score big hundreds over long periods of time surely makes him a contender for New Zealand's Test middle order. Matthew Boyle This is Matt Boyle a 21 year old batsman from @CanterburyCrick Jeez look at these shots , He really Looks a flawless batsman 🔥🔥🔥He is the highest run scorer of this season's super smash so far . Really a special telent https://t.co/5Z4Y4xfwEr pic.twitter.com/wUbj4Jo81t — Deepak Chauhan (@foreverblackcap) February 1, 2025 Matthew Boyle has been a steady performer for Canterbury and New Zealand A over the past few years. At just 23 years old, he has scored 1,483 runs in 26 first class matches with an average of 35.30. He has registered three centuries and ten half-centuries. The recently concluded New Zealand A tour to Sri Lanka, where Boyle scored 102 in Galle against the home side, was an important highlight for him, with the 23-year-old showcasing his ability to perform under different conditions and produce match-winning performances. It would be a big step up for Boyle to make the jump from domestic cricket to the Test level, but his performances against a Sri Lankan side at Galle suggest he possesses the skill and temperament for New Zealand's next challenge. Also Read | ICC Confirms Tentative Dates for 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia Lachlan Stackpole Lachlan Stackpole 172* for Auckland vs Wellington #PlunketShield pic.twitter.com/m8y4cTCKz3 — The Niche Cache (@thenichecache) March 19, 2026 Youngest on the list is 21-year-old Lachlan Stackpole from Auckland who is already a strong performer at first class level having scored 820 runs in only 12 games at a healthy average of 41.00. Stackpole announced himself with an unbeaten 172 against Wellington earlier this year and followed up the massive innings with 74 and 62 in subsequent first class games for Auckland. While the 21-year-old may be a few years away from getting close to an Test call up, his performances certainly indicate a potential star for the future. With the retirement of Williamson the reign has ended, however, the emergence of Heaphy, Mariu, Boyle, and Stackpole gives the Blackcaps hope for the future of their Test batting line up.