Kane Williamson has been ruled out of New Zealand's upcoming two-match Test series against South Africa after he failed to recover from his elbow. The Kiwis squad will be led by Tom Latham.
On Monday, February 7, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) announced a 15-member strong squad for the first Test of the two-match home series against South Africa, starting on February 17, with both matches to be played at Christchurch's Hagley Oval.
The hosts will also miss the services of Trent Boult in the first Test against South Africa, as he awaits the birth of his third child. Ajaz Patel will also miss the first Test, though he can be added to the squad for the second Test if he has recovered from his left-calf injury.
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Cam Fletcher and Blair Tickner have earned their maiden Test call-ups, while Colin de Grandhomme and Hamish Rutherford have been recalled to the New Zealand squad for the first Test against South Africa. Rutherford last played for New Zealand seven years ago.
Well, the in-form Canterbury wicketkeeper-batter Fletcher has been picked as the back-up gloveman to incumbent Tom Blundell, while Central Stags pacer Tickner will provide cover for the fast bowlers.
New Zealand head coach Gary Stead said in an official release: “Injuries and COVID have forced us to be flexible and I'm really excited with the squad picked. I'd like to congratulate Cam and Blair on making the squad and also acknowledge Hamish and Colin for fighting their way back into the Test set-up.”
However, Stead felt for Williamson, as he is still undergoing his elbow injury rehabilitation and will miss another series.
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He added, “He was desperate to be fit for the series but with the amount of loading required for Test cricket, we had to make the tough call for him to sit it out and focus on returning for the white ball matches against the Netherlands in March.”
He concluded, “Kane loves playing for the BLACKCAPS and especially in Test cricket so it was a particularly hard call. However, the priority has to be trying to get the injury right and having him available long-term. It's important to remember this squad is just for the first Test so we do have the flexibility to make changes as required, with the likes of Trent and Ajaz potentially available for the second.”
New Zealand squad for 1st Test vs South Africa:
Tom Latham (C), Tom Blundell (WK), Devon Conway, Colin de Grandhomme, Cam Fletcher (WK), Kyle Jamieson, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Rachin Ravindra, Hamish Rutherford, Tim Southee, Blair Tickner, Neil Wagner, Will Young.
(With ANI Inputs)
