New Zealand’s star batter, Kane Williamson, may miss the upcoming Test series against India after suffering a groin injury during the second Test against Sri Lanka. The injury, confirmed on Wednesday by New Zealand Cricket, means that Williamson will remain in New Zealand to focus on rehabilitation instead of traveling with the team.
Williamson, New Zealand’s former captain, has been a pivotal figure in their lineup, but his injury poses a significant challenge for the Black Caps as they face a difficult tour in India.
Selector Sam Wells emphasized the importance of Williamson taking the necessary time to recover, stating, “The advice we’ve received is that the best course of action is for Kane to rest and rehabilitate now, rather than risk aggravating the injury.”
However, there remains a sliver of hope that Williamson might return later in the series. “We’re hopeful that if the rehabilitation goes to plan, Kane will be available for the latter part of the tour,” Wells added.
In Williamson’s absence, uncapped all-rounder Mark Chapman has been included in the 17-man squad to cover. Chapman has been a regular in New Zealand’s white-ball sides, and Wells highlighted his competence in subcontinental conditions.
“We believe Mark is one of our best players of spin and has a proven track-record in the subcontinent,” Wells said.
The loss of Williamson is a substantial setback for the Black Caps, who have struggled in recent outings. Following a 2-0 defeat to Sri Lanka, the New Zealand side faces the daunting task of taking on India in their own backyard—an arena where they have never secured a Test series victory. The Black Caps also carry the burden of four consecutive Test defeats.
Opening batter Tom Latham will lead New Zealand in the three-match series, taking over from Tim Southee, who resigned as captain after the Sri Lanka series loss. The squad for the India tour is mostly unchanged from the Sri Lanka series, with the exception of Chapman’s inclusion.
India, on the other hand, comes into the series on the back of a dominant 18th consecutive home Test series victory, having recently swept Bangladesh 2-0. The first Test is set to begin in Bangalore on October 16.
New Zealand’s Michael Bracewell will be available for the first match but is expected to leave the tour for the birth of his second child, with India-born legspinner Ish Sodhi stepping in for the remainder of the series.
New Zealand Squad: Tom Latham (capt), Tom Blundell, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Ajaz Patel, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Ben Sears, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Kane Williamson, Will Young.
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