Kane Williamson of New Zealand targets ODI World Cup return

Kane Williamson hopes to be ready for the opening match of New Zealand against defending champions England.

Only less than six months after a knee surgery that ruled him out of the ODI World Cup 2023, which is going to be held next month in India, is the goal of the New Zealand captain, who has been the key driver in getting Kane Williamson through his recovery. The 33-year-old tore the cruciate ligament in his right knee playing for Indian Premier League side Gujarat Titans in April, which looked to have scuppered his chances of making the showpiece tournament. However, intense rehab work has meant a speedy recovery.
Williamson hopes to be ready for the opening match of the Black Caps against defending champions England on October 5, a repeat of the 2019 final his side narrowly lost.
Kane said, “It would be great. Naturally, you want to be back playing when you are fit and ready, sooner rather than later. You hope that ends up being around that World Cup time, but I’m still very focused on the rehab day-to-day and not wanting those targets to stretch it to a point where you take a backward step.”
He is already batting in the nets again, which the injured knee can handle.
coach of black caps Gary Stead said there was no fixed date for when Williamson would play again. But his return will be a big boost. He was the player of the 2019 tournament with centuries against South Africa and the West Indies, leading New Zealand to the cusp of lifting the trophy.