IND vs NZ: Colossal blow to New Zealand ahead of second Test, star batter ruled out due to groin strain

IND vs NZ: Kane Williamson was named in the Test squad but he continues to undergo rehabilitation in New Zealand. He is doubtful for third Test as well.

Sports Tak

• Tue • 22 Oct 2024

New Zealand's Kane Williamson (R) and Devon Conway run between the wickets during the third day of the second Test against Sri Lanka

Highlights:

There is a question mark over Kane Williamson's availability in the third Test.

In Williamson's absence, New Zealand ended their win drought on Indian soil.

Former New Zealand captain Kane Williamson has been ruled out of the second Test scheduled to take place at Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune on October 24. Williamson is currently in New Zealand and will remain there to continue his rehabilitation from a groin strain.

Williamson got injured during the two-Test series against Sri Lanka. New Zealand head coach Gary Stead is hopeful that Williamson makes full recovery before the third and final Test of the series at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai starting November 1.

“We're monitoring Kane and he's tracking in the right direction, but isn't yet 100% fit,” said Stead in a media release by BlackCaps.

“We're hopeful to see further improvement over the coming days and have him available for the third Test.

“We'll give him as much time as possible to get himself ready, but certainly continue to take a cautious approach."

How Williamson’s replacement fared in series opener

New Zealand won the first Test by eight wickets at M.Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru after bundling out Rohit Sharma’s India for a record-breaking 46 in the first innings. In Williamson's absence, Will Young did well in the series opener. In the first innings, he scored 33 runs from 73 balls before falling to Ravindra Jadeja.

ALSO READ: BAN vs SA: Taijul Islam's fifer leads Bangladesh's fightback after 106 all out, reduces South Africa to 140/6 at stumps

In the run chase of 107, he formed an unbeaten 75-run partnership for the third wicket with Rachin Ravindra to get the visitors over the line. He remained unbeaten for 48 runs from 76 deliveries including six fours and a six. He scored the winning runs as well.

ALSO READ: Virat Kohli's fresh airport look sets internet ablaze as ace batter leaves Bengaluru for Pune Test against New Zealand

Latham’s New Zealand create history

The Tom Latham-led side ended New Zealand’s drought of wins on Indian soil. Their last Test win in India came in 1988 at Wankhede Stadium. From the current New Zealand squad, only Ajaz Patel was born at the time of New Zealand’s previous Test win in India.

New Zealand’s Test squad:

Tom Latham (c), Devon Conway, Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell (wk), Glenn Phillips, Matt Henry, Tim Southee, Ajaz Patel, William ORourke, Kane Williamson (unfit), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Mitchell Santner, Jacob Duffy