Big blow for New Zealand ahead of second Test as former captain Kane Williamson is ruled out

Former New Zealand captain and star batter Kane Williamson has been ruled out of the second Test against India as he continues rehabilitation from a groin strain, the New Zealand Cricket announced via a press release on Tuesday.

Williamson to stay back home

New Zealand head coach Gary Stead hopes the veteran will be available for the final Test, which will be played in Mumbai from 1 November.

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“We’re monitoring Kane and he’s tracking in the right direction, but isn’t yet 100% fit,” said New Zealand head coach Gary Stead. We’re hopeful to see further improvement over the coming days and have him available for the third Test. We’ll give him as much time as possible to get himself ready, but certainly continue to take a cautious approach."

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Williamson missed the first Test for the same reason and is yet to travel to India, continuing his rehabilitation back home. The 34-year-old picked up the injury on the recent tour of Sri Lanka for Tests.

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New Zealand won the first Test of the three-match series against India at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru by eight wickets. This was New Zealand’s first Test win in India since 1988. They will now aim to take an unassailable lead in the second Test, played from 24 October in Pune.

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Who will replace Kane?

Williamson’s continued absence means Will Young is set to play another Test match for New Zealand. Young was picked in the first Test as Williamson’s replacement and impressed with his composure as he scored 33 in the first innings and 48 not out in the chase of 107 runs as the Kiwis broke their losing streak in India.