New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson is not expected to play competitive cricket due to recurring elbow tendon injury which forced him to skip the historic Wankhede Test.
According to stuff.co.nz, Williamson will return to the field next year in February for two-Test series against South Africa at home. New Zealand coach Gary Stead also hinted that the Kiwi skipper will remain out of action for eight to nine weeks, similar to the period he missed between World Test Championship (WTC) final and T20 World Cup 2021.
"Kane's going along ok," Stead said of the captain and about his injury.
"Last time after the World Test Championship (final) and before the IPL and T20 World Cup was about eight or nine weeks.
"I expect it's somewhere in that time frame again. We're trying not to put time frames on it at this stage."
Stead also said that Williamson is unlikely to undergo surgery. However, the 31-year-old is gutted to be missing out on action, especially red-ball format. The World Test Championship (WTC) winner is set to miss the two-Test series at home against Bangladesh which will commence on January 1, 2021.
“All that surgery would do is ensure that rehab is done. If we don't have to cut a tendon, our choice is not to do that,” the 49-year-old explained.
In Williamson’s absence, Tom Latham is likely to lead the Test side. Latham led New Zealand in the Wankhede Test where Ajaz Patel created history as he became the third bowler in history to take all 10 wickets in Test cricket. However, it was followed by a disappointing show as Kiwis were bundled out for 62 in their first innings followed by another dismal show in second innings that led to a massive 372-run defeat. Also, their 33-year-wait for a Test win in India continues.
