Kane Williamson is poised for a comeback from his recent hamstring injury in the upcoming first Test against South Africa, commencing on February 4. Expressing optimism about his recovery, Williamson noted the well-progressed state of his hamstring in recent weeks. Eager to reunite with the team, he looks forward to returning to training.
Despite concerns over injuries leading up to the series, including Williamson’s previous absence due to various health issues, the team’s fitness is a priority. Fast bowler Kyle Jamieson and wicketkeeper-batsman Tom Blundell have faced back and hamstring problems, respectively.
“My hamstring is good, it’s progressed well in the last couple of weeks. Feeling good, and looking forward to getting back to training and joining up with the team. The weather has been incredible. Extremely hot, so yup I am confident and like I said will just be nice to join back up with the side and I think all the guys are really looking forward to getting back together as a Test team,” Williamson said as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.
While Jamieson has returned to competitive cricket, Blundell hasn’t played in nearly a month. Williamson, however, assured that both players are in good health, observing them in the lunchroom.
“I just saw them [Blundell and Jamieson] in the lunch room and they looked comfortable eating well and I think they are fine. Obviously with these injuries, they can vary a lot from individual to individual and Tom with his hamstring took a little bit longer having tendon involved. I think he is good, rearing to go and Kyle bowled a spell a few days ago and I think got through nicely. I think everyone is fit and well,” he added.
The South African squad for the series features eight uncapped players, prompting discussions within the cricketing community. Despite this, Williamson stressed that New Zealand is not underestimating the opposition and emphasized focusing on their own plans and style of play.
Acknowledging the challenge posed by unfamiliar South African players, he highlighted the importance of doing homework while maintaining a primary focus on their cricket.
New Zealand, currently ranked third in the World Test Championship points table, aims to secure crucial points in the championship.
Despite never having won a Test series against South Africa, Williamson emphasized the significance of any win and the challenge of managing a Test championship campaign over an extended period.
Any win anywhere is crucial. That’s why it is difficult to micro-manage a Test championship campaign. It’s such a long period of time and the games can come a bit sporadically with the Test cricket so it’s trying to just connect together as a group, focus on the cricket that we want to play that gives us the best chance and try and do that for long periods of time. That’s the focus going into the series,” Williamson concluded.
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