Colin de Grandhomme Ruled Out Of Pakistan Tests; Wait On Kane Williamson's Availability Continues

New Zealand all-rounder Colin de Grandhomme will continue to stay on the sidelines as he proceeds to recover from the foot injury, forcing him to miss the two-Test series against Pakistan. At the same time, the news on Kane Williamson’s availability remains uncertain. On the other hand, off-spinner Ajaz Patel could be available for the home series as declared by head coach Gary Stead. Pakistan’s tour of New Zealand begins with three T20Is followed by two Tests.

Both Colin De Grandhomme and Ajaz Patel could not be part of the victorious team against the West Indies, who suffered innings defeats to the Kiwis in Hamilton and Wellington. De Grandhomme last played international cricket back in March before the COVID-19-enforced break, bringing the cricketing events into a standstill. Ajaz Patel, who made his first international appearance in November 2018, last played in February, which was in a Test against India.

Gary Stead announced that Colin De Grandhomme’s stress reaction in his right foot has not yet healed, resulting in him not being able to bowl or running. They are hoping for a mid-January return while Ajaz Patel, who had a calf injury, could be in the frame for selection.

“He has a stress reaction in his right foot. We still haven’t been able to get him back to running and then obviously bowling as well. Looking like hopefully a mid-January return. We are hoping he will be in contention for the Test matches against Pakistan, but it’s still a bit wait and see,” Stead said as quoted by Cricbuzz.

Kane Williamson’s availability uncertain as of now:

The prospect of New Zealand captain Kane Williamson joining the squad for the second and third T20I against Pakistan massively depends upon when his first child arrives. Gary Stead told that there remains no update on the baby yet; hence, they will let them carry on as it is for now and the plan is for him to join for the last two T20Is.

“There’s no update on baby news so we’ll let them carry on as is. The plan still is at this stage that he will join the team for T20s two and three,” the New Zealand coach added.

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