Bay of Plenty batsman Kane Williamson could be poised to take the reins as captain of the Black Caps next year in the wake of current skipper Brendon McCullum's retirement from international cricket.

McCullum today confirmed what has been speculated for the last couple of months – that the two home test matches against Australia in early 2016 will be his last for his country.

Kane Williamson (left) in action for the Black Caps. Photo: File.

The former wicket keeper turned top order batsman took charge of the Black Caps in all three formats in 2013, and will play his 100th test against the Aussies at the Basin Reserve starting on February 12 before his curtain call in Christchurch on February 20.

Touted as an obvious choice to take over the role, Williamson was recently labelled cricket's version of Richie McCaw as his record haul of runs pushed him to top spot in ICC test batting rankings ahead of the likes of Joe Root and AB de Villiers.

The right-hander completed his fifth test century of 2015 in the second test win against Sri Lanka in Hamilton on Monday and in the process compiled a New Zealand-record 1172 runs for the calendar year at a remarkable average of 90.15.

Across the Tasman, The Roar says cricket lovers in New Zealand have always known Kane's potential but '2015 was the year a lot more non-cricket followers in New Zealand and cricket fans around the world finally woke up to how special he is”.

They described his batting as 'methodical and classy” and says his performances were based on 'phenomenal consistency”.

But perhaps their biggest nod of approval to Kane came with their character description of the Tauranga boundary hunter.

'Williamson's modest demeanour has helped endear him to fans,” they said. 'Kiwis still love their cult heroes, like McCullum and even Jesse Ryder – but many appreciate the Kane Williamson style even more; similar to Richie McCaw, he lets his actions do the talking.

'Like McCaw, Williamson has tremendous respect for the game he plays so well and the people involved with it. Also, like Richie, it's well known that a key reason for Kane keeping his feet on the ground has been his family's constant support and steady influence.”

Cricket-crazy India was also quick to acknowledge Kane's deeds.

'Supreme. Elegant. Run-machine. Solid. Assured. Calmness. All these factors symbolise Kane Williamson and his achievements in what has been a fabulous 2015,” noted sports.ndtv.com. http://sports.ndtv.com/

'His run-scoring across all formats this year has been unprecedented. His batting has ensured that New Zealand continue their unbeaten run in tests at home. It is thanks to his contribution that the team has lost only one test series in the last four years.”

TheIndian Express says Kane's achievements added to 'an already glittering resume for the batting maestro”.

Zeenews in India labelled Williamson 'modest” by nature but a 'focused and technically exact” batsman.

News.com in Australia noted Kane could lose the top ranking quite quickly, with Joe Root and AB de Villiers going head-to-head when South Africa hosts England on Boxing Day.

'But it still seems appropriate that a man in such unbelievable form sits on top of the world for the time being,” they say of the Kiwi who had turned heads in Australia before dismantling the Sri Lanka attack.

'It doesn't matter what colour clothing he's wearing or what colour the ball is, Williamson has been a star in 2015.

'He is a veritable mile ahead of his nearest competitor when it comes to most runs in international cricket for the calendar year, having blasted 2633 from 38 matches across tests, one-day and Twenty20 cricket, at an average of 65.82 and cumulative strike rate of 75.22.”

- additional reporting by Stuff