England Vs New Zealand 2021: Kane Williamson Ruled Out Of The 2nd Test; Will Young To Feature In The Starting XI

New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson has been ruled out of the second and final Test against England due to his persistent elbow issues.

Williamson has grappled with his elbow injury issues since March and since he has missed plenty of international and IPL matches.

New Zealand coach Gary Stead said that Williamson’s injury hasn’t healed yet and the decision has been made keeping in the mind the upcoming World Test Championship final against India.

“It’s not an easy decision for Kane to have to miss a Test, but we think it’s the right one,” Gary Stead 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 maximise his recovery,” Stead added.

“The decision has been made very much with the ICC World Test Championship Final at Southampton in mind and we are confident he will be ready for that match starting on June 18.” he added.

In Kane Williamson’s absence, left-arm opener Tom Latham will lead the Test team for the third time while Will Young has been added as his replacement.

Young has thus far featured in two Tests in which he has scored 48 runs at an average of 24. The young Kiwi batsman has been in brilliant form for Durham in the ongoing County Championship. In 7 innings, he has smashed 278 runs at an average of 40.11 with two hundred.

The first Test between England and New Zealand at Lord’s ended in a draw. The second Test will take place at Edgbaston from June 10.

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