New Zealand have suffered a huge blow ahead of the second Test against India in Mumbai as skipper Kane Williamson has been ruled out of the game due to the left-elbow injury which troubled him for much of 2021.

Coach Gary Stead confirmed the development in the first morning of the second Test, saying that the injury had aggravated during the opening Test in Kanpur and it couldn’t improve in the days following the match.

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“It’s been a really tough time for Kane having to deal with such a persistent injury,” Stead said in a media release.

“While we’ve been able to manage the injury through the year and the T20 World Cup, the shift to Test cricket and the increased batting loading has re-aggravated his elbow.

“Ultimately the injury is still not right and while he got through the Kanpur Test, it was clear playing in the second Test wasn’t an option.

“We all know how much he loves playing and leading this team, particularly in Test cricket, so it’s a very difficult decision to sit out.

“It’s been a challenging year for Kane trying to manage his elbow and it’s important we now formulate a good plan with him to ensure the injury does not continue to plague him.

“He will likely require a sustained period of rest followed by rehabilitation, strengthening and gradual batting loading.”

Tom Latham will lead the Kiwis in Williamson’s place with the final playing XI to be confirmed at the toss, which has been delayed due to a wet outfield at the Wankhede Stadium.

The two-Test series currently stands at 0-0 as the visitors pulled off a thrilling draw in the opening match in Kanpur.