Former New Zealand captain Kane Williamson has been ruled out of the first Test match against India due to a strain.
New Zealand selector Sam Wells confirmed the announcement saying that Williamson will not be travelling with the rest of the squad when they depart on Friday.
Kane Williamson sustained a groin strain during the second test of the Sri Lanka tour where the visitors suffered a 2-0 defeat.
Mark Chapman, a versatile player who appeared in 23 ODI and 76 T20Is has been named as Williamson’s injury replacement. Although he is yet to make his test debut, Chapman’s experience in limited-over cricket will provide the team with a strong option for the series opener.
“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.
ICYMI | Our Test squad for the upcoming three-Test series against India, starting in Bengaluru next Wednesday. Watch all matches LIVE on @skysportnz 🏏 #INDvNZ #CricketNation pic.twitter.com/TzvMIpZSrH
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) October 8, 2024
“While it’s 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.”
Wells said Chapman “is one of our best players of spin and has a proven track record in the sub-continent. Mark has displayed an ability to play spin proactively in the international arena and combined with his excellent first-class record we see him as someone who can succeed in the type of conditions we expect to encounter in India.”
Spinner Michael Bracewell has been named in the New Zealand squad after the first test to be with his wife who is expecting their second child.
Ish Sodhi has been named for the second and third tests. Former Sri Lanka spinner Rangana Herath will travel to India with New Zealand as part of the coaching staff after his consultancy role as a spin bowling coach in Sri Lanka.
The first test of the India-New Zealand test tour will begin on October 16 at M.A. Chinnaswamy Stadium.
New Zealand Squad for India Tests: 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
