The worst kept secret in New Zealand Cricket is now official - Kane Williamson will captain the Black Caps in all three formats of the game.

The 25-year-old is the 34th captain to skipper the New Zealand team in any full international format and will also become the country's 29th test captain since Tom Lowry back in 1930.

Kane Williamson has been confirmed as the captain of the Black Caps. Photo: File

A member of the Black Caps since 2010, Williamson earned widespread praise for his captaincy during the recent ICC World Twenty20 in India and has already led the side in 36 short-form games.

The Bay of Plenty cricketer also won the highly coveted High Performance Sport New Zealand Sportsman of the Year at the 53rd Halberg Awards held in Auckland in February.

Speaking from India where he's currently playing in the IPL, Williamson describes the captaincy as a challenge he's looking forward to, but one he knows he won't face without a great deal of support.

'It's certainly an honour. I've really enjoyed my time spent as captain and believe this team can achievea lot,” he says.

'I'm lucky to have a number of experienced players around me for support and will certainly look to utilise this. We're all striving for the same thing and that's to represent New Zealand with pride and win cricket games.”

Confirming the appointment today, New Zealand Cricket CEO David White says Williamson was the right man to lead the team forward.

He says Williamson has been a leader within the team for a long time now and already shown himself to be an 'extremely capable captain”.

'He's respected by his peers and the wider cricket community for his professional approach both on and off the field, and has a superb cricket brain,” says David.

'His drive to see the team succeed and his passion for the game are what you look for in a leader. He's ready for the role and will only continue to grow."

Williamson also singles out the work done by predecessor Brendon McCullum, and praises the environment inside the changing-room.

He says 'I've certainly learnt a lot from Brendon, as has everyone who has played with him”.

'The culture that he and Mike have cultivated has been a huge part of this team's success in recent times. We not only have good players, but good people too and that certainly makes any captain's job easier,” says Williamson.

The Black Caps next tour will be of Africa in July-August, with the team scheduled to play two tests in both Zimbabwe and South Africa.