Ganesh Kendale
NEW DELHI: Veteran New Zealand batter Kane Williamson will miss the start of the three-Test series against India due to a groin strain suffered during the second Test against Sri Lanka in Galle. The injury requires a period of rehabilitation, delaying Williamson’s departure to India.
New Zealand selector Sam Wells confirmed the news, stating that the decision to rest and rehabilitate Williamson was made to avoid further aggravating 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 explained. “We remain hopeful that if his recovery goes to plan, Kane will be available for the latter part of the tour.”
In Williamson’s absence, uncapped batter Mark Chapman has been called up as cover. Chapman, who averages 41.9 in first-class cricket with six centuries to his name, has become a regular in New Zealand’s white-ball teams.
Wells expressed confidence in Chapman’s ability to handle the conditions in India. “We believe Mark is one of our best players of spin and has a proven track record in the subcontinent,” said 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.”
New Zealand squad for India Test series:
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 & 3rd Test only), Tim Southee, Kane Williamson, Will Young
Sodhi replaces Bracewell after first Test
Meanwhile, allrounder Michael Bracewell will participate in the first Test in Bengaluru before returning home for the birth of his second child. Ish Sodhi will replace Bracewell for the remaining matches.
The rest of the squad remains unchanged from the recent series against Sri Lanka, with Tom Latham stepping in as captain for the first time in his new full-time role.
Gary Stead will lead the coaching staff, with Luke Ronchi and Jacob Oram as batting and bowling coaches, respectively. Sri Lankan spin legend Rangana Herath will continue as the spin coach after his involvement in recent series against Afghanistan and Sri Lanka.
The New Zealand squad is set to depart for India on Friday, ahead of the opening Test at M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, which begins on October 16.
