Last Update on: September 29th, 2023 at 02:17 pm
New Zealand Cricket (NZC) issued an update regarding skipper Kane Williamson’s availability for the team’s opening match in the ICC World Cup 2023. The NZC confirmed that Williamson will be unavailable for the game against defending champions England.
Kane Williamson was included in the New Zealand World Cup squad despite undergoing rehabilitation for a knee injury. The right-handed batter played last for the national team against Sri Lanka in February. He suffered a knee injury during the IPL earlier this year.
However, the board has confirmed that Williamson will play as a batter during their first warm-up match against Pakistan in Hyderabad on September 29. The skipper is expected to take the field in their second and final warm-up against South Africa on October 2.
Kane Williamson’s Recovery Is Tracking Well – Gary Stead
Head coach Gary Stead emphasized that they have adopted a long-term approach to Kane Williamson‘s return to international cricket. He confirmed that they won’t rush his comeback and will continue with his rehabilitation.
“Right from the start we’ve taken a long-term view on Kane’s return to play,” said Stead.
“His recovery is tracking well and it’s now a matter of making sure he can cope with the rigours and intensity of international cricket.”
“We’ll continue to take a day by day approach to Kane’s rehabilitation and certainly won’t be putting any pressure on him to return before he is ready.”
Kane scored 6,554 runs in 161 ODI matches at an impressive average of 47.83 and a strike rate of 80.99. He smashed 13 centuries and 42 half-centuries during his career. Notably, he was named Player of the Tournament in the last ODI World Cup in England.
The Black Caps will take on the defending champion England team in their first match of the tournament at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on October 5. Wicketkeeper batter Tom Latham is expected to lead the team in Williamson’s absence.
New Zealand World Cup Squad: Kane Williamson (c), Trent Boult, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitch Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Will Young
