New Delhi: New Zealand star batter Kane Williamson will miss the first Test match against India at M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru due to a groin strain he suffered during the Sri Lanka series.
The Blackcaps have added Mark Chapman to the Test team for the three-match series against India that begins in Bengaluru on October 16. The squad will be led by Tom Latham after Tim Southee stepped down as captain following the 2-0 defeat in Sri Lanka.
The rest of the team remains unchanged from the horrific Test tour of Sri Lanka. All-rounder Michael Bracewell will be available only for the first Test in India before departing for the birth of his second child. Ish Sodhi will join the team as his replacement for the second and third Test match.
The injury of Kane Williamson is a big blow for New Zealand as the team struggled to score runs in the Test series against Sri Lanka. Williamson experienced groin discomfort in the second Test match at Galle and requires an extended time of rehabilitation.
New Zealand selector Sam Wells said that he’s hopeful that Williamson will be available for the latter part of the series and the advice they’ve received is the best course of action for Kane to rest and rehabilitate.
“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. We’re hopeful that if the rehabilitation goes to plan Kane will be available for the latter part of the tour” Wells said.
“While it’s obviously disappointing to not have Kane available from the start of the tour, it provides an opportunity for someone else to play a role in an important series” he added.
Williamson’s injury means that Chapman will possibly make his Test debut against India. He has played 78 white-ball matches for New Zealand. Former Sri Lankan spinner Rangana Herath will also travel with the Blackcaps squad as part of the coaching staff.
New Zealand squad for Test series against India
Tom Latham (c), Tom Blundell (wk), Michael Bracewell (1st 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 (2nd and 3rd Test only), Tim Southee, Kane Williamson, Will Young
New Zealand batter Kane Williamson will miss the start of the Test series against India due to an injury. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
