New Zealand's top-order batter Kane Williamson has had trouble with injuries in recent years. A groin injury ruled him out of the three-Test series against India which New Zealand won to script history. The whitewash reignited New Zealand's chances of reaching their second World Test Championship (WTC) final. Ahead of the Test series at home against England, Williamson has decided to get back in groove by playing domestic cricket after a long gap of five years.
On Day 1 of Northern Districts' clash against Auckland in Hamilton, Williamson walked out to bat at no.3 on Day 1. Williamson turned out to be the top-scorer for Northern Districts as he contributed with a 60-run knock. He faced a total of 122 deliveries and stayed in the middle for nearly three hours. His innings featured as many as seven fours. He was eventually dismissed by medium pacer Jordan Sussex.
Northern Districts were bowled out for 268 in 84.5 overs. Sussex and pacer Darnu Ferns bagged three wickets each. Simon Keene and Sean Solia took two wickets each as well.
Earlier, in the Test series against Sri Lanka, he scored 148 runs from four innings in Galle including a half-century. New Zealand lost the Test series at home. Williamson was named in the Test squad for India but stayed back in New Zealand to recover from groin injury. Later, head coach Gary Stead revealed that he does not want Williamson to risk getting injured again. That's why he did not board the flight for the third and final Test at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.
Williamson's replacement makes a mark
In Williamson's absence, Will Young made a mark. He scored 244 runs from six innings at an average of 48.80 including two half-centuries. He was named 'Player of the series' as well. It will be interesting to see where Young bats against England.
Where do New Zealand stand in WTC points table?
The three-Test series against Ben Stokes' England at home will commence on November 28 at Hagley Oval, Christchurch. The BlackCaps need to whitewash England at home to finish with a win percentage of 64.29. Then they will have to depend on results of other games to qualify for the final. Currently, they are fourth in the standings with 54.55 win percentage.
