New Delhi: Former New Zealand captain and star batter Kane Williamson will not take part in the 2nd Test against India as he continues his rehabilitation from a groin strain. Williamson was expected to make his comeback in the upcoming 2nd Test between the two sides at the MCA Stadium after missing the series opener in Bengaluru.
However, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) confirmed in a statement that Williamson will continue to remain on the sidelines for the 2nd Test against India which gets underway in Pune on Thursday, October 24. Williamson had picked up the injury during New Zealand’s two-match Test series against Sri Lanka last month and remained back home to continue his recovery.
He will continue with his rehabilitation process back home and will return only after attaining full fitness. New Zealand head coach Gary Stead revealed Williamson was not hundred percent fit to make his comeback in the 2nd Test in Pune and was thus advised to stay back and continue his rehab. However, he expressed optimism about the senior batter playing the 3rd and final Test in Mumbai.
“We’re monitoring Kane and he’s tracking in the right direction, but isn’t yet 100% fit,” said 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,” he added.
Williamson is one of New Zealand’s best Test batters at present and also the most experienced batter in their line-up. However, the visitors didn’t miss him at all as they thrashed India by 8 wickets in the 1st Test in Bengaluru to record a historic victory. New Zealand won their first Test match in India after 36 years.
New Zealand eye historic series victory in India
New Zealand have never won a Test series in India and will be eyeing a historic victory this time around having gone 1-0 up in the ongoing three-match series. The Kiwis are one win away from clinching their maiden series victory in India and will be looking to give their all to continue their winning run in the 2nd Test against the hosts in Pune.
However, it won’t be an easy job for Tom Latham & Co. with a rank turner expected in Pune. Indian spinners didn’t come into the play in Bengaluru Test due to overcast conditions throughout the game but they might have the say in the 2nd Test in Pune.
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