New Zealand Cricket (NZC) on October 9 announced their Test squad for three-Test series against India starting on October 16. After Tim Southee relinquished the captaincy, Tom Latham will lead the side. However, New Zealand may miss the services of their former captain Kane Williamson who experienced discomfort in his groin during the second Test against Sri Lanka.
"The advice we've received is that the best course of action is for Kane to rest and rehabilitate now rather than risk aggravating the injury. We're hopeful that if the rehabilitation goes to plan Kane will be available for the latter part of the tour,” Sam Wells, the New Zealand selector said in a statement as Williamson will stay back until he recovers.
"While it's obviously disappointing to not have Kane available from the start of the tour, it provides an opportunity for someone else to play a role in an important series."
Williamson has a decent record on Indian soil with 503 runs from three Tests including one century and three fifties. His average in India in the red-ball format is 33.53.
Williamson’s cover named for first Test
Spin-bowling all-rounder Mark Chapman has been called in as cover for Williamson.
"We believe Mark is one of our best players of spin and has a proven track-record in the sub-continent," said Wells. "Mark has displayed an ability to play spin proactively in the international arena, and combined with his excellent first-class record, we see him as someone who can succeed in the type of conditions we expect to encounter in India."
Chapman is yet to make his Test debut. He has scored 2,954 runs from 44 first-class games at ana verage of 42.81 including six centuries and 17 fifties. He can chip in with a few overs too. However, he has just one wicket in red-ball cricket.
The first Test will commence on October 16 at M.Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru.
New Zealand’s Test squad for India tour:
Tom Latham (c), Tom Blundell (wk), Michael Bracewell (1st Test only), Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Will O'Rourke, Ajaz Patel, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Ben Sears, Ish Sodhi (2nd and 3rd Test only), Tim Southee, Kane Williamson, Will Young
