Former New Zealand captain Kane Williamson will not be able to make it for the third Test against India at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. The New Zealand Cricket Board confirmed his rehabilitation from a groin injury was still in process and the veteran would be aiming for a comeback against England.
The marquee batter is riding the last stages of his recovery phase and eyes to make a comeback against England in the three-match Test series at home, starting November 28.
“Kane continues to show good signs, but isn’t quite ready to jump on a plane and join us,” said Stead. 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. The England series is still a month away so taking the cautious approach now will ensure he is ready for the first Test in Christchurch.”
Williamson has been on and off the field for the past three years due to injury. His elbow struggled for a while before an attempt to catch at the deep while representing the Gujarat Titans in IPL 2023 led to a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). He will be keen on bouncing back from the latest – a groin injury – and making a mark with the bat for the Black Caps.
Will Young and Rachin Ravindra’s presence in the middle order has been an apt replacement for Williamson as they have been knitting runs in the series. New Zealand have already won the first two matches, leaving India shellshocked with a home series defeat after 12 years. The third Test is slated to begin on November 1 at 9:30 AM IST.
