Wellington, Dec 22 (IANS): New Zealand cricket great Daniel Vettori on Tuesday said Kane Williamson is ready to step into the shoes of captain Brendon McCullum when the latter retires in February next year.

Williamson is the lead candidate to step in as Black Caps skipper when McCullum stands down, with the 34-year-old announcing on Tuesday that the two-Test series against Australia in February will be his international swansong.

"Knowing the inner machinations of the team, (McCullum) will feel that Kane is ready to step up into the role," Vettori was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au.

"He's got good leaders around him, like Tim Southee, so I think the team is in good hands. If Kane feels like it's the right time to step in and take over that mantle then he'll do a wonderful job," the former ledt-arm spinner added.

The former captain added that Williamson has learnt a lot from outgoing captain McCullum but he is going to lead the side a little differently.

"He'll do it differently to Brendon, who has been an amazing leader for the team over the last few years and taken them from strength to strength," he said.

"I think (Kane) would have learned a lot from Brendon and it seems like an ideal time to move into that role." Vettori, who took 362 wickets from 113 Tests and 302 wickets from 291 One-Day Internationals (ODIs) added.