Picture Credit: X
Veteran New Zealand cricketer Kane Williamson is set to miss the third and final Test of the ongoing three-match Test series against India. On Tuesday, October 29, New Zealand Cricket took to social media to confirm this update, adding that Williamson will not travel to India for the last Test, set to be played from November 1 onwards at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
Notably, this decision by the Black Caps comes as a precautionary measure to ensure Williamson’s full fitness for the home series against England. Speaking of Williamson’s injury, the veteran batter sustained a groin injury during their tour of Sri Lanka last month. However, he was expected to join the squad midway through the series, but continues to miss with the Kiwis already winning it 2-0.
Kane Williamson to miss Mumbai Test against India
With the final Test set to get underway from November 1 in Mumbai, New Zealand Head Coach, Gary Stead also opened up on Williamson’s fitness, confirming that he has made good progress and they aim to keep him fit for the England Test series. "Kane continues to show good signs, but isn't quite ready to jump on a plane and join us. While things are looking promising, we think the best course of action is for him to stay in New Zealand and focus on the final part of his rehabilitation, so he'll be good to go for England," Stead said in the release.
“The England series is still a month away so taking the cautious approach now and will ensure he is ready for the first Test in Christchurch,” he further added. Speaking of the Kiwis’ chances of securing a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) Final, they need to win all four Tests from here on in order to get to 64 percentage in the standings.
New Zealand squad for third Test against India
Tom Latham (Captain), Tom Bundell (wk), Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rorke, Ajaz Patel, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Ben Sears, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Will Young
