Kane Williamson to Miss Start of New Zealand’s Test Series in India Due to Injury

Veteran New Zealand cricketer Kane Williamson will not participate in the opening of the three-Test series against India due to a groin strain, according to New Zealand Cricket. The series is set to commence in Bengaluru on October 16, 2024. Williamson sustained this injury during the second Test against Sri Lanka in Galle, necessitating a period of rehabilitation.

Sam Wells, a selector for New Zealand Cricket, confirmed the decision to rest Williamson to prevent further aggravation of the injury. “The advice we’ve received is that the best course of action is for Kane to rest and rehabilitate now rather than risk worsening the injury,” Wells stated. “We remain hopeful that if his recovery goes to plan, Kane will be available for the latter part of the tour,” he added.

In Williamson’s absence, the team has called up uncapped batter Mark Chapman as cover. Chapman is recognized for his first-class cricket performance, where he averages 41.9 and has scored six centuries. “We believe Mark is one of our best players of spin and has a proven track record in the subcontinent,” stated Wells. “His proactive approach to playing spin, combined with his first-class experience, makes him a strong candidate for the challenges we expect in India,” he noted.

The New Zealand squad will kick off the series with a match at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, followed by games in Pune and Mumbai. Michael Bracewell will participate in the first match before being replaced by Ish Sodhi for subsequent games, as Bracewell returns home for the birth of his second child.

Tom Latham will captain the team, taking over leadership duties full-time. The rest of the squad includes players like Tom Blundell, Devon Conway, Daryl Mitchell, and Ajaz Patel, among others. Wellington-based Gary Stead heads the coaching team, supported by Luke Ronchi and Jacob Oram as the batting and bowling coaches, respectively. Renowned Sri Lankan spinner Rangana Herath will continue his role as spin coach.

The New Zealand cricket team is scheduled to depart for India on Friday to prepare for the series. The selectors and management are optimistic about their chosen squad’s ability to perform in challenging Indian conditions.