With the ODI World Cup looming, New Zealand's cricket team remains optimistic about having their stalwart captain, Kane Williamson, fit and ready for action. Gary Stead, the Kiwi coach, indicated that the ace batter would be given a two-week window to demonstrate his fitness ahead of the marquee tournament.
Williamson's tryst with injury began approximately five months ago during IPL 2023's inaugural match. Representing Gujarat Titans, the Kiwi skipper sustained a knee injury, later identified as a ruptured ACL, which necessitated surgical intervention. After months away from the limelight, Williamson made his return to training only last month, spending quality time honing his skills with the senior New Zealand squad in preparation for their England tour.
Despite the rigorous training, Williamson, in a candid admission, expressed that his World Cup participation in India might be a challenging aspiration.
"We got about two weeks from now, until we until we name that side," Stead told reporters from England.
"We're going to give them every chance and I guess use that full amount of time he's in full rehab mode.
"He's back batting in the nets again, which is great to see. So he's progressing really well but again, there's a lot of work for him still to do to make sure he gets to where we need them to be," he added.
Though sidelined, Williamson's commitment remains unwavering. He has accompanied the Kiwi contingent to the UK, where they locked horns with local county teams in two T20 practice matches. This sets the stage for their 4-match T20I series, commencing on August 30, followed by four ODIs against England, scheduled from September 8 to 15.
In a tactical move, New Zealand's selectors have entrusted Tom Latham with the captaincy for the England ODIs, ensuring there's no undue haste in reintegrating Williamson into the fold.
Acknowledging Williamson's diligent return to the nets, Coach Stead expressed elation. However, he also cautiously remarked that even if Williamson gains fitness approval and secures a spot in the ODI World Cup squad, he could potentially be absent from New Zealand's initial matches.
"There's a chance that even if Kane was named he may not be available right at the start of the tournament, but he also might be, and he also might not be ready," Stead added.
"Yes, of course, we want him at the World Cup. There is that bigger picture in mind though, that we want Kane Williamson fit for the rest of his career. So there'll be honest conversations that Kane and I will have with each other...'" he added.
New Zealand's World Cup journey kickstarts against England, a replay of the dramatic 2019 final, set to unfold at the majestic Narendra Modi Stadium on October 25. The overarching sentiment echoes a singular hope: the return of Kane Williamson in peak form, propelling the Kiwis' World Cup aspirations.
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