ENG vs NZ 2nd Test: Big setback for Kiwis as Kane Williamson ruled out ahead of ICC WTC Final, Tom Latham to lead- Captain Kane Williamson will miss the second Test of the G.J. Gardner Homes BLACKCAPS Tour of England as he rests his irritated left-elbow. Williamson has been managing the injury since first missing matches in March and coach Gary Stead said it was still troubling him.
The development comes as a huge setback to New Zealand, Williamson ahead of the ICC WTC Final. The Kiwis would hope him to recover ahead of the World Test Championship Final against India that will be held at Ageas Bowl, Southampton starting June 18.
Captain Kane Williamson will miss the second Test of the G.J. Gardner Homes BLACKCAPS Tour of England as he rests his irritated left-elbow. #ENGvNZ https://t.co/dd43cibLa5
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) June 9, 2021
“It’s not an easy decision for Kane to have to miss a Test, but we think it’s the right one,” he said.
“He’s had an injection in his elbow to relieve the irritation he’s been experiencing when he bats and a period of rest and rehabilitation will help maximise his recovery.
ENG vs NZ 2nd Test: Big setback for Kiwis as Kane Williamson ruled out ahead of ICC WTC Final, Tom Latham to lead
“The decision has been made very much with the ICC World Test Championship Final at Southampton in mind and we are confident he will be ready for that match starting on June 18.”
Tom Latham will captain the Test side for the third time in Williamson’s absence, while Will Young comes into the starting XI and will bat at number three.
New Zealand are likely to make a host of changes in the second Test that will start on June 10 in Edgbaston, Birmingham. Mitchell Santner has been ruled out after he cut his left index finger. Meanwhile, pace spearhead Trent Boult is likely to make a comeback for the sake of match practice ahead of the ICC WTC Final against India. The Blackcaps in a tweet post confirmed the above development adding that all the pacer bowlers who played in the Lord’s Test won’t play the 2nd Test.
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