NZ vs SL: Kane Williamson – In a massive boost for New Zealand, Kane Williamson is expected to be available for the first Test against Sri Lanka starting Thursday, skipper Tim Southee confirmed. The former captain was a doubtful starter for the first Test owing to his grandmother’s death. Currently, Williamson is in his hometown with family but is due to join the squad at the last minute. Follow NZ vs SL Live Updates with InsideSport.IN.
Ahead of the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka, Southee said, On behalf of the team, I think everyone is feeling for Kane at the moment and he is in the best place he can be. And that is with, in, and around, his family. It is a sad time for the Williamson family.”
“We are looking forward to Kane joining up. He has been able to train with the ND guys in Tauranga, so I am sure he will be hitting plenty of balls and making sure he is ready to go come Thursday.”
NZ vs SL: Massive boost for New Zealand, Kane Williamson set to be available for first Christchurch Test against Sri Lanka despite grandmother’s death
NZ vs SL: Williamson’s return to Test side massive confidence booster for New Zealand
Without a doubt, Williamson is a key batter for New Zealand. The 32-year-old is on great form as he scored a match-winning century in the hosts’ one-run win over England in the second Test. In the process, Williamson also surpassed Ross Taylor to be the highest run-scorer for New Zealand in the Test format. That win against Ben Stokes-led side popularised Test cricket in New Zealand. Fans thronged the stadium in all five days, and Southee is expecting the same during the Sri Lanka series.
“It has been great to have the amount of people who have been talking about Test cricket, to see the Basin Reserve filled for five days was great to be a part of,” Southee said.
“I think, just in general, the guys are pleased to see people talking about Test cricket. And Test cricket being exciting. England have played their part in that, over the last year or so. The guys still see Test cricket as the pinnacle of the game.”
NZ vs SL: Massive boost for New Zealand, Kane Williamson set to be available for first Christchurch Test against Sri Lanka despite grandmother’s death
