Reports in New Zealand on Wednesday suggested Kane Williamson was under the threat of being removed as Test captain, but New Zealand Cricket have quickly moved to rubbish the claims.

There were concerns over Williamson’s suitability as New Zealand Test captain following their 3-0 drubbing in Australia earlier this year. Williamson had brushed aside those concerns at the time, but a broadcaster in New Zealand, James McOnie, known for his work on The Crowd Goes Wild, tweeted otherwise.

According to McOnie, New Zealand coach Gary Stead preferred opener Tom Latham as captain instead of Williamson. “Coup alert!” McOnie tweeted. “Kane Williamson’s test [sic] captaincy is under threat. Apparently coach Gary Stead favours fellow Cantabrian Tom Latham as skipper. It’d be easier on the ego to take the T20 job from Kane, to ease his workload, but that’s not the preferred plan.”

However, New Zealand Cricket has moved to quickly rubbish the claims. “There’s absolutely no truth to any suggestion Kane’s captaincy is under threat,” New Zealand Herald quoted an NZC spokesman as telling Newshub.

Following the defeat in Australia, Williamson had played down concerns over his leadership, saying his “focus is very much to continue to try and grow and help move the team in the right direction.”

Coup alert!? Kane Williamson’s test captaincy is under threat. Apparently coach Gary Stead favours fellow Cantabrian Tom Latham as skipper. It’d be easier on the ego to take the T20 job from Kane, to ease his workload, but that’s not the preferred plan. #Canterburymafia (1 of 2)

— James McOnie (@JamesMcOnie) May 19, 2020

However, he did also add that he would be open to alternate options, should they be better for the team. “For me, it’s always been about what’s best for the team,” he had said.

“So, if those discussions are to eventuate and collectively there’s a thought that it would be best for the team, then my stance is whatever is right and fits the group. I’m always open to whatever is going to help move the team in those directions.”