New Zealand's star batsman Kane Williamson will not be participating in the third Test match against India, as confirmed by New Zealand Cricket (NZC) on October 29. The seasoned cricketer is still recuperating from a groyne injury sustained during the recent two-match series against Sri Lanka, which has sidelined him for the initial two Tests in the current series against India.
Williamson, formerly the captain of the Kiwi team, will also refrain from joining his teammates for the final Test scheduled at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on November 1. This decision has been made to prioritise his fitness ahead of the upcoming three-match Test series against England starting November 28.
New Zealand's head coach Gary Stead has noted that while Williamson is showing positive signs in his recovery, a careful approach is being adopted to ensure he is fully prepared for the England series. "Kane is progressing well, but isn't ready to travel with the team yet. Staying back in New Zealand for rehabilitation will better position him for the first Test in Christchurch," Stead stated.
Although Williamson struggled during the Sri Lanka series, accumulating just 138 runs at an average of 34.50, he began the year strongly with impressive performances against South Africa. Nevertheless, New Zealand has performed exceptionally in Williamson's absence, clinching their first-ever series win in India. The team, under Tom Latham's leadership, secured a historic 113-run victory in the second Test, taking a commanding 2-0 lead in the series.