Kane Williamson to miss 2nd Test: New Zealand will have to play another Test match without their best batsman, Kane Williamson since the former skipper has been ruled out of the upcoming second Test against India in Pune as he continues his recovery from a groin injury.
The Black Caps recorded their first Test match win in India in 36 years and their third overall in the Bengaluru Test, winning it by 8 wickets to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match Test series. The second Test will be played from October 24 at the MCA Stadium in Pune, where a slow turning pitch is being prepared as the hosts look to level the series after their spinners’ disappointing show in Bengaluru, where the Kiwi pacers made significant dents.
Kane Williamson to miss 2nd Test, New Zealand optimistic about his fitness for 3rd Test
Talking about Kane Williamson, the 34-year-old had suffered a groin strain during the tour of Sri Lanka last month. He hasn’t arrived in India yet and is set to miss the second Test as well. He will remain in New Zealand to continue his rehabilitation.
The Kiwis are hoping for Williamson to be fit for the third Test, which will be played in Mumbai from November 1.
New Zealand coach Gary Stead said,
“We’re monitoring Kane, and he’s tracking in the right direction but isn’t yet 100% fit. We’re hopeful to see further improvement over the coming days and have him available for the third Test. We’ll give him as much time as possible to get himself ready, but certainly continue to take a cautious approach.”
In Williamson’s absence, Will Young batted at the No. 3 position in Bengaluru and scored 33 and 48*. Young was impressively solid in the second innings in particular, as he survived the testing new ball spells from Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj and soon cashed on with attacking strokeplay, creaming 7 fours and a six to take the Kiwis over the line in a tricky run chase of 107 runs.
Meanwhile, the surface in Pune is set to bring in the Indian spinners into play big time after they couldn’t do much in Bengaluru, where the overcast conditions and moist pitch meant it was the pacers who ran the show. With crucial ICC World Test Championship (WTC) points at stake and a place in its final still not sealed, plus the winning streak in home Test series on the line, India have prepared a slow and turning surface in Pune.
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