Kane Williamson was named in Blackcap’s 15-man squad for the World Cup.© AFP
New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson will miss his team’s opening match in the 2023 ICC ODI World Cup against England as he continues to recover from knee surgery. New Zealand Cricket (NZC) announced the batsman’s availability update on Friday. Williamson was included in Blackcap’s 15-man squad for the World Cup after returning from a six-month layoff. The New Zealand captain will play the role of specialist in a warm-up match against Pakistan in Hyderabad on Friday with the aim of batting and fielding in their second and final warm-up against South Africa in Trivandrum on Monday.
“Williamson will batsman in the first warm-up match against Pakistan in Hyderabad today, aiming to bat and field in Monday’s second and final warm-up against South Africa in Trivandrum,” NZC said in an official statement.
New Zealand coach Gary Stead said their main concern was ensuring Williamson had enough time to progress in his return to match fitness.
“From the start we have had a long-term vision for Kane’s return. His recovery is going well and it is now a matter of ensuring he can handle the rigors and intensity of international cricket. We will continue to take a day-by-day approach to Kane’s rehabilitation and will certainly not put any pressure on him to return before he is ready,” Stead said in an official statement from NZC.
Meanwhile, Tom Latham will captain the side in Friday’s first warm-up match against Pakistan in Hyderabad.
New Zealand squad: Kane Williamson (c), Trent Boult, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitch Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee and Will Jong.
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