Kane Williamson likely to miss the start of India Test series

Kane Williamson’s departure to India is going to be delayed and he is likely to miss the first Test in Bengaluru due to a groin strain.

Rai Sinha

Published - Oct 9, 2024, 11:41 IST | Updated - Oct 9, 2024, 11:41 IST

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Veteran New Zealand player Kane Williamson’s departure to India is going to be delayed and he is likely to miss the first Test in Bengaluru due to a groin strain he suffered recently. However, he faced discomfort during the second Test against Sri Lanka and now he will need to undergo rehabilitation before joining the team in India as well, New Zealand Cricket shared the news in a media release on Wednesday (October 9).

Sam Wells, the New Zealand selector, however, hopes that Kane Williamson will be available to play later in the series after finishing his rehabilitation.

Mark Chapman to be there as cover for Kane Williamson

“The advice we’ve received is that the best course of action is for Kane to rest and rehabilitate now rather than risk aggravating the injury. We’re hopeful that if the rehabilitation goes to plan Kane will be available for the latter part of the tour. While it’s obviously disappointing to not have Kane available from the start of the tour, it provides an opportunity for someone else to play a role in an important series.”

Michael Bracewell will be available for the first Test

“We believe Mark is one of our best players of spin and has a proven track-record in the sub-continent,” said Wells. “Mark has displayed an ability to play spin proactively in the international arena, and combined with his excellent first-class record, we see him as someone who can succeed in the type of conditions we expect to encounter in India.”

On the other hand, Michael Bracewell will travel to India for the first Test before returning home for the birth of his second child as well. He will also be replaced by Ish Sodhi for the remainder of the series as well.

New Zealand squad: Tom Latham (c), Tom Blundell (wk), Michael Bracewell (1st Test only), Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Ajaz Patel, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Ben Sears, Ish Sodhi (2nd and 3rd Test only), Tim Southee, Kane Williamson, Will Young

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