New Delhi: Kane Williamson is set to miss the third test against India, to be played in Mumbai, New Zealand cricket announced on Tuesday. Williamson, who missed the first two tests of the series, will not travel to India for the last test in order to fully fit for the upcoming home series against England, starting November 28.
He has been kept out as a cautious approach to continue his groin injury rehabilitation. “Kane continues to show good signs, but isn’t quite ready to jump on a plane and join us,” Gary Stead, New Zealand’s head coach said.
“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”
Williamson has suffered the groin injury on the tour of Sri Lanka last month, just before the India series.
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Despite Williamson’s absence, New Zealand created history by defeating India in the first two test matches in Bangalore and Pune, handing India their first Test series loss at home since 2012, ending their streak of 18 straight series win on home soil. The 2-0 lead is also New Zealand’s first test series win in India, Under new leadership of Captain Tom Latham after Tim Southee stepped down from Captaincy.
New Zealand first handed India an eight-wicket drubbing by rolling India down for 46 in the first innings in the first test, caravan then moved to Pune where the Kiwis spun the Indians down for 156 runs in their first innings to set up a 113 runs victory.
While Bengaluru saw testing conditions for the batters in overcast conditions, the Pune pitch was a turner where Mitchell Santner’s haul of 13 wickets scripted the series win.
India’s WTC Final spot at Danger
The series loss has trimmed India’s lead at the top of the WTC points table, with 62.82% points, closely followed by Australia on 62.50% points. New Zealand, meanwhile, jumped to fourth place with 50% points to significantly boost their chances of making the World Test Championship Final next year.
