New Zealand endured a severe setback ahead of their Test series against India, as top batsman Kane Williamson is a major concern owing to a groin injury. Selector Sam Wells stated that Williamson would miss the first part of the tour and stay in New Zealand to recuperate after suffering the injury during the second test against Sri Lanka.
The Black Caps, who are already under strain due to their recent troubles in the longest version of the game, have additional reason to be concerned about this.
“The advice we’ve received is that the best course of action is for Kane to rest and recover now, rather than risk aggravating the injury,” Wells said, underscoring the significance of Kane Williamson’s recuperation.
While the team is still optimistic that Kane Williamson will make a comeback later in the series, his early absence severely hurts New Zealand’s prospects of winning at home against an excellent Indian side.
Uncapped all-rounder Mark Chapman, who has performed well in white-ball forms and is regarded as a potent spin bowler, has been called up by New Zealand to fill in for Williamson. Chapman’s inclusion is meant to cover for Kane Williamson’s absence because of his subcontinental knowledge, particularly against India’s formidable spin attack.
Wells stated, “We think Mark is one of our best spin players and has a proven track record in the sub-continent.”
To make matters worse for New Zealand, they enter the India series coming off a four-match losing run after being soundly defeated 2-0 by Sri Lanka. The fact that they have never won a Test series in India only serves to exacerbate their current woes in the cricket format.
After Tim Southee resigned as captain after the Sri Lankan debacle, opener Tom Latham would also serve as team captain.
Bracewell departs following the first test.
Additionally, Michael Bracewell will only be available for Bengaluru’s first Test before having to travel home to give birth to his second child. Leg-spinner Ish Sodhi, who was born in India, will take Bracewell’s position for the remaining two tests in Pune and Mumbai. He brings experience from the subcontinent to the table.
Other than adding Chapman and Sodhi, the team is almost the same as it was during the series defeat to Sri Lanka. On October 16, New Zealand will take on India in a series that will try to break their long-standing bad record on the subcontinent.
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