 "Kane Williamson suffered a groin problem during the second Test in Sri Lanka last month. Reuters")
Kane Williamson has been ruled out of the third and final Test against India which starts on Friday in Mumbai. The prolific New Zealand batter also missed the first two Test matches due to a groin problem which he suffered during the second Test in Sri Lanka last month.
Despite Williamson’s absence, New Zealand have won the two Tests so far, clinching a first Test series win in India in 69 years.
“Kane continues to show good signs but isn’t quite ready to jump on a plane and join us,” Black Caps head coach Gary Stead said.
“While things are looking promising, we think the best course of action is for him to stay in New Zealand and focus on the final part of his rehabilitation so he’ll be good to go for England.
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New Zealand are hoping to have Williamson fit for the England series.
“The England series is still a month away so taking the cautious approach now will ensure he is ready for the first Test in Christchurch,” Stead added.
New Zealand’s home three-match Test series against England starts on 28 November.
Will Young has played in the middle-order as a replacement for the 34-year-old Williamson and is expected to continue doing the same role.
The former captain Williamson is New Zealand’s highest run-getter in Tests with 8,881 runs from 102 matches at an average of 54.48.