New Zealand on Wednesday announced its 17-member squad for the upcoming India tour. The Kiwi team will play a three-Test series on the India tour, the first Test of which will be played at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru from October 16.
Tom Latham will be seen playing the role of New Zealand's full-time Test captain for the first time. However, the news of New Zealand's experienced batsman Kane Williamson being out of the team has increased the concern of the fans. Williamson has back pain, due to which he will come to India late.
Williamson suffered a back problem during the second Test played against Sri Lanka in Galle and will need rehab. He will join New Zealand's Test team in India after recovering. New Zealand selector Sam Wells said that the plan is to play Williamson in some matches.
Former Test captain Kane Williamson is doubtful to play in the first Test of the series, as he suffered a back injury during the second Test against Sri Lanka in Galle. In addition, New Zealand Cricket has reported that Williamson will not travel with the team, Mark Chapman will join the team as his cover.
New Zealand Cricket said in a press release, Williamson suffered a groin injury during the second Test against Sri Lanka in Galle and will require a period of rehabilitation before joining the BlackCaps Test squad in India." Black Caps selector Sam Wells said, Based on the advice we have received, the best course of action for Kane is to rest and rehabilitate rather than risk aggravating the injury.
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
Wells added, We are hopeful that the rehabilitation will go as planned and Kane will be available for the latter part of the tour. While it is disappointing to have Kane unavailable from the start of the tour, it does provide an opportunity for someone else to play a role in an important series.
Tom Latham (captain), Tom Blundell (wicketkeeper), Michael Bracewell (first Test), Mark Chapman, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Will O'Rourke, Ajaz Patel, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Ben Sears, Ish Sodhi (second and third Tests), Tim Southee, Kane Williamson, Will Young
The New Zealand team will leave for India tour on Friday. The first Test of the three-match series between the two teams will be played at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru from October 16.
Also Read: Joe Root on the Brink of Matching Sachin Tendulkar’s Test Cricket Record
Give Your Feedback