Williamson, Morgan in doubt for must - win encounter in Wellington

Henry Nicholls has been named as a replacement for Kane Williamson.

Kane Williamson | Getty Images

New Zealand skipper –Kane Williamson might not available for his team’s crucial T20 International match against England, starting on Tuesday in Wellington as he is struggling with a back injury.

Although, Black Caps Team Management has named Henry Nicholls as a replacement for Williamson. However, the  Kiwi skipper is hopeful about his state for Tuesday's game of the Tri-series.

 Williamson also had his usual lengthy net session at the Basin Reserve today, but a decision about his participation for Wellington T20i won't be taken until a final assessment on the match day.

According to a report in Cricbuzz, Kane Williamson told reporters, “I'm 100-ish [percent]. I am looking forward to taking a full part in training and hoping I should be fit for tomorrow night but Henry is in as cover. I've got a bit of a back niggle and hopefully, it's settled by tomorrow.”

He further added on the Tri-series, featuring Australia and England, “It's hard when you've got three teams and they are all trying to play cricket at the same time. Obviously, England and Australia have played two in a row which means we didn't have a game to play. It's the nature of a tri-series.”

Williamson signed off by saying, “It’s a big opportunity for us and for England. We want to get on the board in the tri-series and it’s very important we play good cricket. We know England are a dangerous side; Australia have got off to a great start and come up with the wins but that doesn’t make England any less dangerous.”

His opposite number Eoin Morgan is also battling injury issues ahead of the must-win match. The England captain was ruled out of the last match against Australia due to a groin injury, with Jos Buttler leading the side, and will be assessed by the medical team ahead of the nets on match day match for both the teams. 

"Morgs has been a class act for England for many years and if he's out, he's a big miss," Adil Rashid said. "He's a leader, he's our captain and he has been for the past three years. He's done a tremendous job and he gives us input on and off the field. Even [on] Saturday he was there with information where needed.He captains really well, he's clued into the game and he would be a big miss, so hopefully, he'll be back playing in a couple of days."

Australia having won all three matches have booked their spot for the finals of the series. England and New Zealand face a must-win situation in the remaining games if they are to make the finals. 

 

 

 

 
 

By Rashmi Nanda - 12 Feb, 2018

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