IND vs NZ 2024: Kane Williamson ruled out of second Test as well, to continue rehab for groin strain in New Zealand

Kane Williamson. (Source – Getty Image)

New Zealand will continue to miss the services of Kane Williamson on their tour of India as the legendary batter has been ruled out of the second Test, which begins on Thursday, October 24, at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune.

The right-handed batter missed the first Test in Bengaluru last week due to a groin injury he suffered during New Zealand’s preceding series against Sri Lanka. Will Young replaced the talismanic cricketer and fared decently, scoring 33 and 48 not out in the two innings. The Kiwis won the Test match by eight wickets to end a 36-year wait for a victory in the longest format of the game on Indian soil.

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New Zealand Cricket (NZC) confirmed on Tuesday, October 22 that Williamson hasn’t fully recovered from his injury and that is why he continues to remain on the sidelines. The cricket governing body also stated that Williamson’s rehabilitation will continue in New Zealand.

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“We’re monitoring Kane and he’s tracking in the right direction, but isn’t yet 100% fit. We’re hopeful to see further improvement over the coming days and have him available for the third Test,” New Zealand head coach Gary Stead said in a statement released by NZC.

“We’ll give him as much time as possible to get himself ready, but certainly continue to take a cautious approach,” he added.

New Zealand looks to make history in the Pune Test

New Zealand has a chance to become the first nation to beat India in India after 12 years. England was the last team to achieve this feat back in 2012 under Alastair Cook’s inspirational leadership. New Zealand has only one of three Tests on Indian soil. They are 1-0 up in the three-match series and a win in Pune will help them in taking an unassailable lead.

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India will be hurting after the comprehensive defeat in Bengaluru. They didn’t help themselves by batting horribly in the first innings. New Zealand pacers wreaked havoc to dismiss their opponents for a paltry 46, the lowest team total in Tests in Asia. Matt Henry was the pick of the bowlers as he bagged a five-for. The Blackcaps took a huge 356-run lead in the first innings after Rachin Ravindra smashed a belligerent century.

In the second innings, Indian batters redeemed themselves as Sarfaraz Khan (150) and Rishabh Pant (99) stood out with the bat. The hosts managed to score 462 but the 107-run fourth innings target did not perturb New Zealand.

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