Kane Williamson to miss second Test against West Indies
New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson is set to miss the second Test against West Indies, starting Friday at the Basin Reserve in Wellington. Williamson has taken a paternity leave and is set to return home to his partner Sarah Raheem in Tauranga for the birth of their first child. Tom Latham will lead the Kiwis in the second Test. Here's more.
Stead feels this is the best decision for everyone involved
New Zealand coach Gary Stead said this is the best decision for everyone involved. "It's a decision we have come to around, I guess, the best decision for him [Williamson] and Sarah, and also for our team long-term, and in terms of him being in a good place to be with Sarah as well," he said.
Will Young to replace Williamson at number three
New Zealand are set to have Will Young bat at number three for the second match of the series as a replacement for Williamson. Stead said Will is a natural replacement. "Young will come in and bat three, it's a logical replacement that he just slips into that position. Will's played there a lot, so, yeah, it's a natural replacement," said Stead.
A look at New Zealand batsman Will Young
Young made his debut in the first Test against the Windies. He managed to score just five runs in New Zealand's 519/7 declared. Young opened the innings alongside Latham. He has a decent record in First-Class cricket though. In 79 matches, Young has amassed 5,082 runs at 43.43. He has registered 10 tons and 29 fifties.
Stead backs Latham to do well as captain
Stead also praised Latham and feels he has a calm head. "Tom Latham will take over as captain. He has been Test captain before in the past for us, and he's got a calm head on his shoulders, and I know with a lot of other leaders in our team that he will lean on them for their support as well," he added.
Williamson smashed several records after 251-run knock in first Test
In the first Test, Williamson scored a 412-ball 251. He slammed his third double-century in Test cricket, besides hitting his highest score in the format. Notably, Williamson now has joint-second most double hundreds (3) by a New Zealand batsman in Test cricket, along with Ross Taylor. It was his 22nd Test century as well. He also hit his 11th ton at home.
