Auckland. New Zealand has suffered a big setback before the upcoming Test series against India. Kiwi team’s star batsman Kane Williamson has been ruled out of the opening match of the three-match series due to injury. Williamson suffered a thigh injury during the Sri Lanka tour, which has not been completely healed till now. Mark Chapman has been included in the New Zealand team in place of Williamson. The three-match Test series between India and New Zealand will start from October 16 in Bengaluru. The command of the team will be on the shoulders of Tom Latham. Tim Southee resigned from the captaincy after the 0-2 defeat against Sri Lanka. New Zealand Cricket said in a statement, “Kane Williamson will take time out for the Test series against India due to a groin strain, Mark Chapman has been included in the squad in his place.
New Zealand selector Sam Wells is confident that Williamson will definitely be a part of the team in the Test series against India, but he is certain to be out of the first Test, as he has been advised to rest for the time being. Sam Wells further said that according to the advice we have been given, it is very important for Kane to rest for the time being. Bringing him with the team with an injury could be risky. We are confident that Kane will recover from the injury soon and will play an important role in the series. But we are sad that he will not be with us in the first test. New Zealand are currently placed sixth in the World Test Championship table, while India remain at the first position after their recent series win against Bangladesh.
New Zealand’s test team:
Tom Latham (captain), Tom Blundell (wicketkeeper), Michael Bracewell (1st Test only), Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rookie, Ajaz Patel, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner. , Ben Sears, Ish Sodhi (for the second and third Test), Tim Southee, Kane Williamson, Will Young.