Williamson to Miss Final India Test as NZC Opts for Caution Ahead of England Series
Williamson's absence from the final Test comes as New Zealand celebrates a remarkable achievement, having already secured victory in the first two Tests against India in Bengaluru and Pune.
Kane Williamson will not travel to India for the third and final Test of the current series as the New Zealand Cricket (NZC) board has decided to prioritize his recovery for the upcoming home series against England, which begins on November 28. In an official statement, NZC emphasized the need for a "cautious approach" while Williamson continues his rehabilitation for a groin injury he sustained during the tour of Sri Lanka last month.
Head coach Gary Stead provided an update on Williamson’s condition, stating, "Kane continues to show good signs, but isn't quite ready to jump on a plane and join us." He elaborated that while Williamson’s recovery is progressing well, the best decision for his health is to remain in New Zealand and focus on the final stages of his rehabilitation. "Taking a cautious approach now will ensure he is ready for the first Test in Christchurch," Stead added.
In the first Test, New Zealand dominated, dismissing India for a mere 46 runs in their first innings and clinching an eight-wicket victory. In the second Test, they showcased their bowling prowess again, restricting India to 156 runs in their first innings and eventually winning by 113 runs. While the Bengaluru pitch posed challenges for batters in overcast conditions, the Pune pitch proved favorable for spin bowlers, with Mitchell Santner claiming an impressive 13 wickets across both innings, solidifying New Zealand’s series win.
The third Test is set to commence on November 1 in Mumbai. As a result of this series loss, India's position at the top of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) points table has been affected. They now hold 62.82% of the points, closely trailing Australia, which has 62.50%. Meanwhile, New Zealand’s victories have propelled them to fourth place with a 50% points tally, significantly enhancing their prospects for qualifying for the WTC final next year.
The cricketing world will be watching closely as the series concludes, particularly to see how India responds after this unexpected defeat and to monitor Williamson's recovery leading into the highly anticipated series against England.
