Williamson will miss second Test against England, Latham handed captaincy
New Zealand captain Kane Williamson will miss the second Test against England in order to get some rest as his elbow issue has resurfaced. New Zealand Cricket (NZC) confirmed the development on Wednesday. Opening batsman Tom Latham is set to lead in Williamson's absence, while Will Young will bat at number three in the second Test, starting June 10 at Edgbaston. Here is more.
New Zealand head coach Gary Stead said Williamson needs rest after receiving injection on his elbow. "It's not an easy decision for Kane, but we think it's the right one," he said. "He's had an injection in his elbow to relieve the irritation he's been experiencing when he bats and a period of rest and rehabilitation will help maximize his recovery."
Williamson's elbow injury has been bothering him of late. The star batsman was ruled out of the ODI series against Bangladesh before missing the start of the 2021 Indian Premier League (IPL) season. Stead confirmed that Williamson's elbow is still disturbing him.
Along with Williamson, all-rounder Mitchell Santner will also miss the second Test. Santner, who featured in the first Test, had suffered a cut to his spinning finger during the intra-squad match. His injury aggravated in the series opener. Meanwhile, Trent Boult, who missed the opening Test, is in line to feature at Edgbaston, after the UK relaxed the quarantine protocols.
The first Test of two-match series at Lord's ended in a draw. Batting first, NZ rode on debutant Devon Conway's sparkling double-century to post 378/10. In reply, a 132-run knock by Rory Burns helped England post 275. NZ declared their second innings (169/6) before England saw the match out. The two sides will battle it out in the series-deciding clash at Edgbaston, starting tomorrow.
