New Zealand vs India 2020: Kane Williamson Ruled Out Of First Two ODIs

New Zealand have suffered a big blow ahead of their ODI series against India with their skipper Kane Williamson being ruled out for the first two games of the three-match series. The hosts’ hopes of bouncing back in the ODIs after the heavy defeat in the T20Is must have taken a big blow with Kane Williamson’s injury.

New Zealand suffered a humiliating 5-0 whitewash at the hands of India in the T20I series. It was their first T20I series loss against India at home. Kane Williamson had missed the last two matches of the series with the shoulder injury that has ruled him out of the first two ODIs as well.

In his absence, wicketkeeper-batsman Tom Latham will lead New Zealand with Mark Chapman called up to the squad to replace the 29-year-old. Kane Williamson first hurt his shoulder in the third T20I. Even though the x-rays revealed nothing serious, the team management has opted for a cautious approach with a Test series to follow as well.

However, New Zealand are hopeful that the skipper will be back to lead the side in the final ODI on February 11 in Mount Maunganui.

“Kane has had an X-ray scan which cleared him of anything serious, but it’s best for his recovery that he avoids aggravating the joint for the next few days,” Team physio Vijay Vallabh said. “He will continue his fitness training sessions throughout the week and will start batting again on Friday with the prospect of being available for game three next Tuesday.”

Chapman, nonetheless, will have a chance to make his mark in international cricket and finally cement his spot in the ODI side. He last played an ODI almost two years ago. The 22-year old is also in good form right now, having recently scored centuries against India A in the third unofficial ODI and in the first four-day game.

“It’s great to welcome Mark back into the one-day unit off the back of consecutive centuries for New Zealand A against a strong India A side,” Selector Gavin Larsen said. “Mark is a versatile player who can cover multiple batting positions and his fielding is a real upshot to have in the squad.”

The three-match ODI series will start on February 5 in Hamilton and the Test series will commence from February 21.

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