New Zealand batter Kane Williamson is set to miss the 1st Test against India in Bengaluru, according to ESPNcricinfo.
The report states that Williamson has not fully recovered from the groin strain he suffered during the recent series against Sri Lanka.
The 34-year-old’s injury is a significant blow for the Kiwis in the long-format series against India. He experienced groin discomfort during the second Test in Galle and had to extend his rehabilitation period at home before traveling to India.
New Zealand has included Mark Chapman in the squad for the upcoming tour. Following Tim Southee’s resignation from captaincy after the 2-0 defeat in Sri Lanka, Tom Latham will lead the team in the three-match Test series.
Kiwi selector Sam Wells expressed hope that Williamson would be available for the latter part of the series.
“The advice we’ve received is that the best course of action is for Kane to rest and rehabilitate now rather than risk aggravating the injury. While it’s disappointing that Kane won’t be available from the start, it provides an opportunity for someone else to contribute in this important series,” Wells was quoted as saying.
In Tests, Williamson has played 102 matches and 180 innings, scoring 8,881 runs at a strike rate of 51.43 and an average of 54.48. He made his long-format debut against India in 2010.
New Zealand squad: Tom Latham (C), Tom Blundell (WK), Michael Bracewell (1st Test only), Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Ajaz Patel, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Ben Sears, Ish Sodhi (2nd and 3rd Test only), Tim Southee, Kane Williamson, Will Young.