New Delhi: Star New Zealand batter Kane Williamson will miss the third Test match against India in Mumbai, the New Zealand Cricket confirmed on Tuesday. This was a precaution to ensure the former skipper is completely fit for their next Test series assignment against England at home, starting on November 28.
Williamson suffered a groin injury after the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka last month. He wasn’t included in the initial squad for the first Test match of the India tour and was later ruled out for the second match as well as he continued his rehabilitation process on the road to recovery.
The 34-year-old is expected to continue the rehabilitation in New Zealand before being available for the first Test match against England in Christchurch at the end of the next month. Black Caps coach Gary Stead said the cautious approach was taken for their senior player to regain full fitness.
“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,” he added.
New Zealand win historic Test series
Even in the absence of Williamson, New Zealand pulled a rabbit out of a hat after clinching a historic feat in India. The Tom Latham-led side comprehensively won the first two Test matches in Bengaluru and Pune to become the first visiting team since England in 2012 to win a Test series in India. Interestingly, New Zealand didn’t win a Test match in India since 1988, let alone a series.
The Black Caps will have the great opportunity to whitewash India in a Test series at home when they face them in the third Test match at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai from November 1 to 5.
