Due to a knee injury that is healing, New Zealand captain Kane Williamson will likely miss the opening match of the ICC World Cup 2023 against England in Ahmedabad on October 5.
Williamson miss World Cup fixture against England: Williamson will participate in New Zealand’s first exhibition game against Pakistan in Hyderabad as a specialist hitter. However, he is anticipated to play both the field and the bat against South Africa on Monday in Thiruvananthapuram.
New Zealand head coach Gary Stead updated Kane Williamson’s progress towards recuperation.
Gary Stead, the head coach of New Zealand, said, “Right from the start, we’ve taken a long-term view on Kane’s return to play.” “His recovery is progressing well, and now the focus is on ensuring that he can handle the demands and rigours of international cricket. We’ll continue to monitor Kane’s recovery on a day-by-day basis, and we won’t put any pressure on him to play until he’s ready.
The championship game appeared to have eliminated the 33-year-old hitter after he tore the cruciate ligament in his right knee while playing for Gujarat Titans of the Indian Premier League in April.
Tom Latham, a wicketkeeper batsman, will represent New Zealand in the opening game against England as well as two practise matches.
Team New Zealand for the 2023 World Cup
Kane Williamson (c), Trent Boult, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Will Young.