New Zealand's captain, Kane Williamson, is set to skip the inaugural match of the ICC Cricket World Cup against England due to ongoing knee rehabilitation. While he's slated to bat in today's warm-up game against Pakistan in Hyderabad, the plan is for him to both bat and field in the upcoming warm-up against South Africa in Trivandrum on Monday.
Head coach Gary Stead emphasized the team's cautious approach regarding Williamson's return. "We're focused on Kane's long-term recovery and ensuring he's match-ready," Stead remarked. "We're monitoring his progress daily and won't rush his comeback."
In Williamson's absence, Tom Latham will lead the team in the warm-up against Pakistan, which kicks off at 2 pm local time.
While still on the path to full recovery, Williamson is keen to maximize his participation in the warm-up matches leading into the World Cup. As reported by Cricbuzz, the New Zealand captain is eager to challenge his recently operated knee during these preparatory games.
"There is a strong desire to be involved as much as I can. Basically, it's just wanting to progress what I am doing now - the running, the fielding, time in the middle with the bat. Although it's going well, you still have days that vary a little bit. So it's working through those warm-up games to get as much out of it as I can, and as a team, without bothering it too much. Although the load is going to keep increasing, so there is a little bit of an unknown. But it has felt pretty good really in the last few weeks," Williamson shared.
Post his extended break, Williamson is contemplating a shift in his fielding position.
"We will definitely consider some of that. Where I field is usually at mid-off, which will probably remain the case. Probably slightly better suited to it than square of the wicket. Potentially some slip, but I won't be standing there if we don't require one," he added.
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