Kane Williamson will miss the second test of the New Zealand tour of India 2024 as he recovers from a groin Strain.
Williamson did not travel to India with the New Zealand squad after he sustained an injury during the Sri Lanka tour, during which the side suffered a clean sweep defeat.
He will continue to continue his rehabilitation at home. Will Young has been brought in as a replacement for Williamson who batted at No.3 position scoring 33 and 48 not out in the first test in Bengaluru.
“Kane Williamson will not be available for the BLACKCAPS second Test match against India, as he continues his rehabilitation from a groin strain,” said NZC in a statement.
Squad News | Kane Williamson will not be available for the BLACKCAPS second Test match against India, as he continues his rehabilitation from a groin strain 🏏 #INDvNZ https://t.co/IE0uoYPZWt
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) October 22, 2024
While speaking about Williamson’s health, Gary Stead said, “We’re monitoring Kane and he’s tracking in the right direction but isn’t yet 100% fit.”
“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.”
Williamson’s absence did not have an impact on the side as they secured a stunning victory under Tom Latham’s Captaincy in India after 36 years.
New Zealand won the first test by 8 wickets taking a lead of 1-0 in the three-match series. Their victory path was led by Matth Henry and William O’Rourke who shared nine wickets between them during India’s first innings where the hosts managed to score only 46 runs.
In the second innings, India made a comeback with Sarfaraz Khan smashing his maiden Test hundred to help his side score 402 runs. Despite India’s comeback, New Zealand was the only side apart from England and Australia to beat India in a Test match at home in close to 15 years.
Despite a loss in the first test, India managed to hold the top position while New Zealand secured 4th position in the WTC points table.
The second test of the India-New Zealand tests will begin on October 24 at Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium.
