New Zealand captain Kane Williamson said that he was looking forward to leading the side for the first time in six months in the first Test of the upcoming three-match Test series against England, starting at Lord's on Thursday (June 2).
Williamson was also excited to play a longer campaign in England, as they are rarely involved in anything more than a two-match Test series, even at home. Notably, the current World Test champions last played a three-match Test series in Australia, where they suffered a 3-0 defeat in 2019/20.
He also opened up about the tendon injury to his elbow that forced him to miss New Zealand's last five Tests, and said that the Kiwis are excited to play Test cricket in England.
Williamson told reporters at Lord's: “It's been a little time between drinks for our Test side. The guys are so passionate about Test cricket -- we're a nation that probably doesn't play quite as much as England, Australia, and India and plays slightly shorter series. It's a great opportunity for the nation to be playing a little bit more Test cricket.”
Read Also: ENG v NZ 2022: England's Ben Stokes wants players to feel free under his captaincy
On his troublesome left elbow injury, the skipper said: “It's significantly improved, which is the pleasing thing. Having that time out of the game was beneficial to get it back on track even though it was frustrating watching the team on the sidelines.”
Meanwhile, New Zealand will face a new-look England team led by the new captain Ben Stokes and new coach Brendon McCullum in the upcoming three-match Test series.
Williamson lauded his former captain by saying, “It's a great opportunity for Brendon. He's such a positive guy and an amazing leader as well. He does tend to have a strong impact wherever he goes and clearly the English set-up has seen some strong qualities in him they want as part of their set-up. It's exciting.”
At the moment, England is at the bottom of the World Test Championship (WTC) points table, having won just one of their last 17 matches, and they will be looking to make a strong comeback in the home series against New Zealand, having recalled experienced duo James Anderson and Stuart Broad.
Williamson signed off by saying, “They (James Anderson and Stuart Broad) are amazing players and legends of the game. They certainly know how to perform at the top level.”
(With AFP Inputs)
