Star New Zealand batsman and ex-captain Kane Williamson will not leave for the third and last Test in India as NZC stated they are focusing on his return to full fitness from the groin injury.
He intends to be fully prepared for the three-Test England series to be played back home on November 28.
| Team | Points Percentage |
|---|
| India | 62.82% |
| Australia | 62.50% |
| New Zealand | 50% |
The ‘Conservative Approach’ of NZC towards Williamson’s Fitness
An NZC statement said, “From their perspective, it is probably just as well that Williamson stays here, concentrates on the final stages of his rehab, and allows himself time to get a bit fit.
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.”
Williamson first strained his groin last month while touring Sri Lanka.
That injury kept him out for the entire Test series in India, and he missed what would have been the first tour ever for his team with new leadership.
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New Zealand achieves historic win in India without Williamson
In India, New Zealand has written history as they have now achieved a 2-0 lead in the series, and for this they needed the new captain Tom Latham after Tim Southee resigned from the post.
New Zealand won both of the first two Tests at Bengaluru and Pune, thereby achieving the first-ever Test series victory on Indian soil, putting an end to the unbeaten streak that India had on home ground for 18 series that began in 2012.
World Test Championship (WTC) Table Updated
The New Zealand team finds itself better placed in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) after having won the first two Tests.
New Zealand is currently fourth, with 50% points.
India has lost its series and decreased its points lead at the top of the WTC points table, where India has 62.82% points, followed closely by Australia with 62.50% points.
The final test match of the India series will begin on November 1 in Mumbai. New Zealand will rely on a balanced team to keep their winning streak going without Kane Williamson.
Looking forward: Return of Williamson for England Series
The New Zealand management is hopeful that cautious rehabilitation will have Williamson in time for the first Test against England in Christchurch.
His return promises to add experience and leadership to the batting lineup of the New Zealand team.
For now, New Zealand’s success under Tom Latham in India speaks of their growing strength and depth.
The team eyeing a series sweep in India, there is no let-up from keeping Williamson healthy for that much-awaited home series against England.
Reference: ESPNcrickinfo
