IND v NZ 2024: Kane Williamson ruled out of third Test against India in Mumbai; eyes comeback vs England next month

New Zealand continued to take a cautious approach with regard to Williamson's groin strain.

By Salman Anjum - 29 Oct, 2024

New Zealand’s ace batter Kane Williamson will miss the third and final Test against India, scheduled to be held in Mumbai from Friday (November 1).

Williamson, who didn’t feature in the first two Tests in Bengaluru and Pune, will not travel to India and instead continue his groin injury rehabilitation in order to get ready for the upcoming Test series against England at home.

“Kane continues to show good signs, but isn’t quite ready to jump on a plane and join us,” said New Zealand head coach Gary Stead in an NZC release.

"While things are looking promising, we think the best course of action is for him to stay in New Zealand and focus on the final part of his rehabilitation so he’ll be good to go for England.

"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," he added.

In Williamson’s absence, Will Young batted at No. 3 for New Zealand and returned with scores of 33, 48*, 18 and 23 from the first two Tests.

The Kiwis defeated India by eight wickets in Bengaluru and 113 runs in Pune to take an unassailable 2-0 lead, sealing a historic first-ever series triumph on Indian soil.

The three-match series against England is slated to kick-off in Christchurch on November 28 and New Zealand will want their key player fit and raring to go as they are still alive in the hunt for a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.

By Salman Anjum - 29 Oct, 2024

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