NZ vs NED: Gary Stead Reveals Fitness Updates On Kane Williamson, Tim Southee, Lockie Ferguson

New Zealand coach Gary Stead has provided fitness updates on their three crucial players Kane Williamson, Lockie Ferguson, and Tim Southee. Gary Stead has said that Lockie Ferguson is fit to play in the next game while Kane Williamson will be able to play from the third match.

Kane Williamson, Lockie Ferguson, and Tim Southee were not part of the New Zealand team in the opening game of the ICC World Cup 2023 against England. Kane Williamson faces an issue in his right knee.

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However, Williamson earlier played in the two warm-up games. Lockie Ferguson struggles with a stiff back. Tim Southee has an injury in his thumb and will take time to arrive on the field.

Lockie Ferguson Can Play From Next Game: Kane Williamson

While speaking on New Zealand Cricket’s Instagram handle, head coach Gary Stead provided an update on all three players. He said that Lockie Ferguson will be able to play in the next game against the Netherlands.

“A quick injury wrap of where we’re at with a number of guys we trained last night. Lockie Ferguson got through that training really well, So, providing he’s scrubbed up ok this morning, he will be available for this next game,” he said.

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Kane Williamson Can Play From 3rd Game: Gary Stead

About Kane Williamson, he said that he is progressing well and will be able to play from the third game.

“Kane has also been progressing very well. I think the fielding is still the element for him, that he’s just got to get a little bit higher and get a little bit more trust in his body. He’s progressing really well, and we are pretty confident that he will be playing the third match for us”, Stead further said.

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About Tim Southee, Stead said that he is looking good for selection and they will take a call after some tests.

“Tim Southee also got through the training really well. It was great to see him back at the bowling crease and also doing a little bit of fielding as well. He will just get a final x-ray done this morning. Then we will make a call after that. But it’s all looking good for selection from now onto the rest of the tournament as well,” said Stead.

New Zealand will take on the Netherlands on Monday, October 9 at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad. Earlier, they crushed England by 9 wickets in their opening game. In the absence of Kane Williamson, Tom Latham led the team in the opener.