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After going down against Sri Lanka in their previous Test series by 0-2 margin, the inaugural champions of the World Test Championship (WTC), New Zealand will be locking horns against India in a three-match Test series, starting October 16. While the side will be led by Tom Latham, who was appointed as the Test captain after Tim Southee stepped down from the position following the humiliating defeat against Sri Lanka.
Speaking ahead of the first Test, which is set to get underway at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, New Zealand captain, Tom Latham opened up on veteran batter, Kane Williamson’s absence. However, Latham confirmed that Williamson will miss the opening Test of the series as he continues to recover from the groin injury.
Will Young to replace Kane Williamson in New Zealand Playing XI: Tom Latham
It is to be noted that Williamson sustained a groin injury during the second Test of the two-match series against Sri Lanka in Galle. Despite the injury concerns, Williamson was named in the squad for the India Test series, but was doubtful to make it for first Test. Speaking at the pre-match press conference in Bengaluru, Latham confirmed that Williamson will miss the first Test, with Will Young replacing him in the side.
"It's disappointing not to have Kane (Williamson) over here. Will Young will play tomorrow. He has been part of the squad for a long time. He has batted from opening to playing at number 3-4. It's an opportunity to put his hands up, he has performed well in the past," Latham was quoted as saying by India Today.
Moreover, the Kiwi batter also opened up on taking the charge at the helm, stating that “it’s a huge privilege”. "It's a huge exciting privilege for me to be in this position, if I am a captain or not a captain, I always try to perform my best for the team and that is certainly not going to be different being captain. Yes there is a more responsibility, but I have been in this situation before and have captained here before and back at home as well so I am excited to get into things and looking forward to it. " Latham quoted.
New Zealand squad for India Test series
Tom Latham (Captain), Tom Bundell (wk), Michael Bracewell (1st Test), Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rorke, Ajaz Patel, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Ben Sears, Ish Sodhi (2nd and 3rd Test), Tim Southee, Kane Williamson, Will Young
