NZC confirm Kane Williamson’s absence for the 3rd Test.
NZC want to take a “cautious approach” to have him fit for the three England Tests at home
To make sure he is well for the forthcoming three-Test series against England at home, which begins on November 28, Kane Williamson will not be heading to India for the last Test of the current series. It’s a “cautious approach” as he continues his groin injury recovery in New Zealand, according to a NZC announcement.
“Kane continues to show good signs, but isn’t quite ready to jump on a plane and join us,” Head coach Gary Stead said in the release. “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.”
Just prior to the India series, last month, Williamson sustained a groin injury when touring Sri Lanka.
Notwithstanding Williamson’s absence, New Zealand made history by defeating India in the first two Test matches, at Bengaluru and Pune, and delivering their first home Test series defeat since 2012. This ended India’s 18-match winning streak at home. After Tim Southee resigned as captain, Tom Latham took over as captain, and the 2-0 lead is also New Zealand’s first Test series victory in India.
In the first Test, New Zealand rolled India over for 46 in the opening innings, giving them an eight-wicket thrashing. In the second Test, they spun India out for 156 in the opening innings, securing a 113-run triumph. While the hitters in Bengaluru faced challenging conditions due to the cloudy sky, Mitchell Santner’s 13-wicket haul in Pune was the decisive factor in the series victory.
On November 1, the third Test will begin in Mumbai.
India now leads the WTC points table with 62.82% points after the series loss, with Australia coming in second at 62.50. With 50% of the points, New Zealand, on the other hand, shot up to fourth place, greatly increasing their chances of qualifying for the WTC final the following year.