NZ v IND 2020: Kane Williamson hoping for a full-strength Test squad against India

The two-match Test series will begin from February 21 in Wellington.

Kane Williamson and Tom Latham pose with trophy after 3-0 ODI series win over India | Getty

After managing the limited-overs leg with injury-ravaged outfits, New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson is expecting a full-strength squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against India, starting February 21 in Wellington.

Williamson was elated after his side inflicted a 3-0 whitewash over the Men in Blue with a five-wicket victory in the final ODI at Bay Oval on Tuesday (February 11).

See Also: Cricket fraternity congratulates New Zealand on their 3-0 ODI series win over India

"We are expecting all of those guys to be fit for the first Test and they've been tracking nicely. It's an exciting opportunity against one of the best sides in the world," Williamson said.

"It's part and parcel of the game that you get guys who get injuries. We've obviously had a lot of that in recent times to deal with but there have not been any excuses.

"Guys have come in to try and play the roles that they're given to the best of their ability and learnt a heap along the way," he added.

The Black Caps captain said ODI series result would not have much bearing on the upcoming two Tests before adding that they can still look to carry a bit of confidence from the historic clean sweep.

"Obviously, a different side and a different format. Throughout a series you're always trying to touch on areas as a group. It's a different format but there are some parts guys will get confidence from going into that series.

"The focus does change but I know the guys are looking forward to that series."

Williamson was all praise for his team’s effort in completing their first ODI series whitewash over India since 1989.

"Although we were 2-0 going up into this, there were certainly those expectations coming into this game to try and implement those things and also learn from those past performances that we had against India who are obviously one of the best sides in the world.

"It was an outstanding effort and a very clinical effort from the guys and I think the way we fought back with the ball was outstanding and the partnerships throughout that chase were brilliant as well."

New Zealand overturned a disappointing 5-0 T20I series loss to an over-powering win in the ODIs despite missing key names.

"It's obviously disappointing when you lose. You always want to win. But there was a heap of good things in the T20I series. We all saw the fine margins that were out there in terms of the results."

(With PTI inputs)

 
 

By Salman Anjum - 12 Feb, 2020

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