 "Kane Williamson setback for New Zealand as prolific batter set to miss start of Test series against India")
Kane Williamson is set to miss the start of the Test series against India on 16 October due to a groin injury. Still, New Zealand selectors are “hopeful” he will be available later in the series. The 34-year-old prolific batter was on Wednesday named in New Zealand’s 16-member squad for the three-match Test series against India, but Williamson will not be travelling with the squad.
New Zealand selector Sam Wellson has confirmed that Williamson will continue his recovery at home before leaving for India later and is likely to miss at least the first Test. The former captain suffered the injury during last month’s series defeat in Sri Lanka.
“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,” Wells said in a New Zealand Cricket statement.
“We’re hopeful that if the rehabilitation goes to plan, Kane will be available for the latter part of the tour.”
Williamson injury
Williamson experienced groin discomfort during the second Test against Sri Lanka in Galle as New Zealand slumped to a 2-0 series whitewash.
Uncapped batsman Mark Chapman has been added to the 16-man squad as cover for Williamson, who is New Zealand’s greatest Test run-scorer, with 8881 runs from 102 matches at an average of 54.48.
His absence would be a major blow for New Zealand’s hopes against India, who have won their last 18 Test series on home soil.
Southee included despite loss of form
Impact Shorts
More ShortsThe squad will be led by Tom Latham after Tim Southee stood down as captain following the heavy defeat in Sri Lanka.
Veteran seamer Southee has retained his place in the squad.
Spinning allrounder Michael Bracewell is available for the first Test but will then return home for the birth of his child.
He will be replaced by legspinner Ish Sodhi for the remaining matches in Pune and Mumbai.
New Zealand Test squad for India tour:
Tom Latham (capt), Tom Blundell, Michael Bracewell (first Test only), Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Ajaz Patel, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Ben Sears, Ish Sodhi (second and third Tests only), Tim Southee, Kane Williamson, Will Young
With agency inputs
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