In order to be healthy for the forthcoming three-Test series against England, Kane Williamson will not be going to India for the third Test in Mumbai.
New Zealand batsman Kane Williamson will miss the third and final Test against India as he recovers from a groin injury and prepares for the next home Test series against England. According to New Zealand Cricket (NZC), Kane Williamson will not go to India for the third Test in Mumbai to ensure his fitness for the forthcoming three-Test series against England. “A cautious approach will instead be taken which will see Williamson continue his groin injury rehabilitation in New Zealand ahead of the first England Test starting at Hagley Oval on November 28.” He further stated:NZ coach Gary Stead said Williamson, who missed the first two Tests, had made good progress, but the conservative approach would allow him to be fully ready for the England series.
“Kane continues to show good signs, but is not quite ready to jump on a plane and join us,” replied Stead.
“While things are looking promising, we think the best course of action is for him to stay in New Zealand and focus on the final part of his rehabilitation so he will be good to go for England.””The England series is still a month away so taking the cautious approach now will ensure he is ready for the first Test in Christchurch,” the coach said.
The last Test against India starts on Friday at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium. NZ leads the series 2-0, handing India its first Test series loss at home in 12 years. In the second Test, New Zealand decided to bat first, and half-centuries from Devon Conway (76) and Rachin Ravindra (65) helped the Kiwis to 259 after Washington Sundar (7/59) bowled an amazing comeback performance to demolish the middle order.In their first innings, India scored only 156 runs, with spinner Mitchell Santner claiming 7/53 and Ravindra Jadeja top-scoring with 38. New Zealand produced 255/10 in their second innings, thanks to skipper Tom Latham’s 86, with Washington taking four wickets and Ravindra Jadeja three. India was bowled out for 245, despite a valiant effort from Yashasvi Jaiswal (77). India lost by 114 runs, and New Zealand won the series 2-0.
New Zealand had won the opening Test by eight wickets.
