NEWS
Follow UsNew Zealand captain Kane Williamson will miss the opening game of the ICC World Cup 2023 against England on October 5 in Ahmedabad, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) have confirmed.
Williamson will take part in the first warm-up game against Pakistan in Hyderabad as a batter-only and return to batting and fielding in the second game against South Africa in Thiruvananthapuram on October 2.
Williamson tore his ACL in his knee during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 in March this year and has been out of action since then. However, he took part in light net sessions after knee surgery and was selected to play in what will be his fourth ODI World Cup for the Blackcaps.
Head coach Gary Stead says that they will monitor Williamson's progress on a day-to-day basis. “Right from the start, we’ve taken a long-term view on Kane’s return to play,” said Stead.
“His recovery is tracking well, and it’s now a matter of making sure he can cope with the rigours and intensity of international cricket.
“We’ll continue to take a day-by-day approach to Kane’s rehabilitation and certainly won’t be putting any pressure on him to return before he is ready.”
Tom Latham will lead the side in Williamson's absence. Following their opening game against England, New Zealand will travel to Hyderabad to take on the Netherlands on October 9.
