Kane Williamson ruled out of first India vs New Zealand Test; white-ball specialist named replacement

Former New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson has been ruled out of the first Test of the upcoming three-match Test series against India in away conditions. Kane Williamson's departure to India has been postponed due to a groin strain he sustained during the recent Test series against Sri Lanka.

In a recent development, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has announced a squad for the upcoming Test series against India on Wednesday, October 9. The BlackCaps suffered a disappointing whitewash against Sri Lanka in their recent series. They are now preparing for a tougher challenge against India.

Kane Williamson Set To Miss First Test vs India In Upcoming Series

Kane Williamson suffered a groin strain during the second Test against Sri Lanka at the Galle International Stadium. New Zealand Cricket confirmed that Williamson will undergo rehabilitation before rejoining the squad. The selectors have named uncapped Mark Chapman as cover for the star batter.

The veteran batter's absence will be a big setback for the Black Caps in the challenging Test series in India. The right-handed batter has a decent overall record in Test matches in India. Williamson has scored 503 runs from eight Tests at an average of 33.53, including one century and three half-centuries.

Disappointing To Not Have Kane Williamson Available - Sam Wells

Speaking to reporters, selector Sam Wells said that Kane Williamson is focusing on rehabilitation rather than risking further injury by playing. Wells highlighted that the team is optimistic about Williamson's return later in the series if his recovery goes well.

"The advice we've received is that the best course of action is for Kane to rest and rehabilitate now rather than risk aggravating the injury. We're hopeful that if the rehabilitation goes to plan Kane will be available for the latter part of the tour," Wells said, as quoted by NZC.NZ.

"While it's obviously disappointing to not have Kane available from the start of the tour, it provides an opportunity for someone else to play a role in an important series."

Mark Chapman Is One Of Our Best Players Of Spin - Sam Wells

Mark Chapman will join the New Zealand squad as cover for Kane Williamson. Chapman has an impressive first-class average of 41.9, with six centuries to his name. The left-handed batter scored 114 runs against India A in 2020. He scored 245 runs in three matches in the recent Plunket Shield season.

Sam Wells said that Mark Chapman has the skills to handle Indian spinners effectively in subcontinental conditions. Wells said that Chapman would be a valuable asset against the challenges that will be posed by the Indian spin attack.

"We believe Mark is one of our best players of spin and has a proven track record in the sub-continent," said Wells.

"Mark has displayed an ability to play spin proactively in the international arena, and combined with his excellent first-class record, we see him as someone who can succeed in the type of conditions we expect to encounter in India."

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