Edgbaston
New Zealand captain Kane Williamson has been ruled out of the second and final Test against England at Edgbaston with a left elbow problem, team management announced on Wednesday.
However, the Blackcaps are confident he will be fit to lead the team in the inaugural World Test Championship final against India starting on June 18.
Williamson, who captained New Zealand in last week’s drawn first Test against England at Lord’s, has been managing the injury since first missing matches in March.
The world’s top-ranked Test batsman was ruled out of the second Test on Wednesday, a day before the match is due to start at Birmingham’s Edgbaston ground.
“It’s not an easy decision for Kane to have to miss a Test, but we think it’s the right one,” New Zealand coach Gary Stead said in a statement.
“He’s had an injection in his elbow to relieve the irritation he’s been experiencing when he bats and a period of rest and rehabilitation will help maximise his recovery.”
Stead added: “The decision has been made very much with the ICC World Test Championship final at Southampton in mind and we are confident he will be ready for that match starting on June 18.”
Tom Latham will captain the side in Williamson’s absence, with Will Young, who has made two first-class hundreds for English county side Durham this season, coming into the side at number three.
“Someone of his (Williamson’s) leadership, his calibre as a player, it’s obviously disappointing that he’s been ruled out to nurse his elbow injury,” Latham told reporters.
“He’s fantastic as a captain. I think it’s well-documented how his personality, his calm nature out in the middle, has been vital to this group. He’s very relaxed.”
“He doesn’t get too high, and doesn’t get too low, which has been great for this side over recent years… He’ll certainly be missed,” added Latham, looking to lead New Zealand to their first series win in England since 1999.
– ‘Big gun’ – England captain Joe Root said Williamson’s absence represented a “huge loss” for New Zealand. “He’s a big gun, number one in the world,” said Root. “He’s one of those players you spend a lot of time thinking about how you’re going to keep him quiet and get rid of him early.
“It will be a huge loss for them but we’re also very respectful that New Zealand have a strong squad and are involved in the World Test Championship final because they have strength in depth.—AFP
