SL vs NZ: Kane Williamson To Join New Zealand Squad Late For The First Test Against Sri Lanka Due To His Grandmother's Demise

New Zealand will host the two-match series against Sri Lanka, with the first Test scheduled to begin on Thursday, March 9, at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch. Former skipper Kane Williamson is expected to join the squad late due to his grandmother’s demise on Thursday. Captain Tim Southee expressed solidarity with Williamson’s family during this sad time.

The Black Caps confirmed Williamson’s last-minute arrival for the first Test against Sri Lanka on Thursday to mourn the death of his grandmother Joan Williamson-Orr, who served as Taupō district mayor from 1988 to 2001. She has 20 grandchildren, including Kane and Dane Cleaver, who made his New Zealand debut against Ireland in the shorter format last year.

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We Are Looking Forward To Kane Joining Up – Tim Southee

Speaking to reporters ahead of the opening Test against Sri Lanka, the New Zealand captain Tim Southee has revealed that Kane Williamson is currently staying back at his home in Tauranga with family while the side prepares for the opening Test against Sri Lanka at Hagley Oval.

“On behalf of the team, I think everyone is feeling for Kane at the moment and he is in the best place he can be. And that is with, in, and around, his family. It is a sad time for the Williamson family. We are looking forward to Kane joining up. He has been able to train with the ND guys in Tauranga, so I am sure he will be hitting plenty of balls and making sure he is ready to go come Thursday,” Tim Southee said as quoted by stuff.co.nz.

Kane Williamson was instrumental in New Zealand’s epic one-run victory over England and scored 132 runs in the second innings after being asked to follow on. The Kiwis are already out of contention for the World Test Championship (WTC) final, but Sri Lanka may qualify if they beat the hosts 2-0.

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