New Zealand will be without their former captain, Kane Williamson, for the second test match against India, which is set to begin on Thursday in Pune. Williamson is currently recovering from a groin injury that he picked up during a recent series against Sri Lanka. According to a statement from New Zealand Cricket on Tuesday, the star batsman is still not fully fit to participate in the upcoming match.
The Black Caps achieved a historic victory in the first test, securing their first win on Indian soil in 36 years, even without Williamson’s presence. He remained in New Zealand to focus on his rehabilitation in hopes of returning to the squad for the remaining matches.
Head coach Gary Stead provided an update on Williamson’s condition, explaining that while his recovery is progressing positively, he is not yet at full fitness. “Kane’s making progress, but he’s not quite ready to play,” Stead stated in the news release. “We’re optimistic that he’ll continue to improve in the coming days, and we’re aiming to have him available for the third test. We’ll give him all the time he needs to be match-ready, but we’re being careful not to rush things.”
The third and final test of the series is scheduled to take place in Mumbai in early November, where New Zealand will be hoping for Williamson’s return as they look to maintain their momentum in the series against a formidable Indian side.
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