To ensure that he is fit for the upcoming three-Test series against England at home starting from November 28, Kane Williamson is not coming to India for the final Test of the ongoing series. An NZC release said it was a “cautious approach.” as he continues his groin injury rehabilitation in New Zealand.
In the statement, head coach Gary Stead stated, “Kane isn’t quite ready to hop on a plane and join us, but he continues to show good signs. While things are looking promising, we think the best course of action is for him to stay in New Zealand and focus on the final part of his rehabilitation so he’ll be good to go for England.”
“The England series is still a month away, so taking the cautious approach now will ensure he is ready for the first Test in Christchurch.” Prior to the India series, Williamson sustained the groin injury during the Sri Lankan tour last month.
In spite of Williamson’s absence, New Zealand made history by defeating India in the first two Test matches in Bengaluru and Pune and halting their 18-match winning streak at home. It was their first Test series defeat since 2012. With the 2-0 lead, New Zealand has also won their first Test series in India under Tom Latham’s leadership following Tim Southee’s resignation as captain.
In Bengaluru, where it was cloudy and there was a tough test for the batsmen, New Zealand had defeated India by eight wickets in the first test itself by bowling out India for 46 runs in the first innings. After this, in the second Test, which was played in Pune, where the pitch was a turner, New Zealand bowled out India for just 156 runs in the first innings and won by 113 runs. In this innings, Mitchell Santner wrote the script for the series victory by taking 13 wickets. The third Test starts on November 1 in Mumbai.
As a result of the series defeat, India now leads the WTC points table by 62.82%, with Australia coming in second at 62.50. New Zealand, on the other hand, shot up to fourth place with 50% of the points, significantly boosting their chances of qualifying for the WTC final the following year.
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