Expect Kane Williamson to skip New Zealand’s second Test against India as he still recovers from a groin strain injury.
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WILLIAMSON TO SKIP BLACK CAPS’ 2ND TEST AGAINST INDIA DUE TO GROIN STRAIN
Expect Williamson to skip the Black Caps’ second Test against India as he still recovers from a groin strain.
Furthermore, the 34-year-old former Black Caps’ captain will stay in New Zealand to continue with his rehabilitation.
Moreover, Willamson is missing his second straight match after he was sidelined when New Zealand beat India by eight wickets in a historic first Test in Bengaluru on Sunday.
In the previous Test, the Black Caps dismissed the hosts for 46 in the first innings to mark India’s lowest Test total at home.
The match was historic as New Zealand beat India for the first time in the South Asian nation in 36 years.
BLACK CAPS COACH NOT RUSHING WILLIAMSON TO PLAY
Moreover, Black Caps coach Gary Stead assured the team is not rushing Williamson to come back on the second Test in Pune on Thursday.
“We’re monitoring Kane, and he’s tracking in the right direction but isn’t yet 100%,” Stead said.
We’re hopeful to see further improvement over the coming days and have him available for the third Test,” he added.
Furthermore, the former Black Caps skipper sustained an injury during a tour in Sri Lanka for tests.
The third and final Test is scheduled in Mumbai on November 1.
NEW ZEALAND TO BANK ON HENRY, O’ROURKE IN WILLIAMSON’S ABSENCE
Furthermore, New Zealand will bank on Matt Henry and Will O’Rourke in the second Test in Williamson’s absence.
Moreover, Henry and O’Rourke took eight and seven wickets, respectively, in the Black Caps’ historic win in India.
Additionally, Will Young batted at No.3 as Willamson’s replacement, and he delivered with 33 and 48 not out in the first Test.
Meanwhile, Stead hopes the team will hold the fort in Williamson’s absence.
“We’ll give him (Williamson) as much time as possible to get himself ready, but certainly continue to take a cautious approach,” the Black Caps coach said.
New Zealand hopes to claim the third Test.
The Black Caps boosted their =stock to fourth place in the World Test Championship standings after the first Test.
India continues to lead the standings.
But its lead has been reduced over second-placed Australia and third-placed Sri Lanka.
