NZ v ENG 2018: Kane Williamson to miss out 2nd ODI due to harmstring strain
Published - 27 Feb 2018, 02:42 PM | Updated - 22 Aug 2024, 11:49 PM
New Zealand suffered a major to their campaign in the ongoing 5-match ODI series against England. Their captain and prolific batsman, Kane Williamson, is all to miss out on the Second ODI at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui.
Fiesty left-hander Mark Chapman, who impressed one and all during the Trans-Tasman Tri Series, is all set to replace Williamson for the second ODI.
Hong Kong-born Chapman made a name for himself at the international level with his century against UAE in 2015, while representing the Asian side.
However, he chose to focus on his career in Auckland and eventually earned his maiden call-up early this year for the tri-series. His 30-ball 37 against England at Hamilton was the stand out performance in the recently concluded tournament.
“Kane Williamson has a mild hamstring strain. He’ll have to prove his fitness… make sure he’s 100 percent. We are optimistic he’ll be fine, but we aren’t sure. It would be a big blow. Kane is a high-quality player, but we have to have confidence in our squad as well,” commented the coach of New Zealand.
Also Read: IPL 2018: Chris Woakes Eager to Share the Same Dressing Room as Kohli, De Villiers
“There’ll be some minor adjustments. But during the year, when Kane hasn’t played, we’ve been able to put in a performance. So it won’t be an excuse. We always want Kane to play… he’s a quality leader,” continued Mike Hesson.
Expect a firm reply from England: Hesson
“But your side has to be good enough to deal with things from time to time. Chappy isn’t coming in for his first game – he’s played against these guys a week or so ago,” Hesson claimed according to Daily Mail.
Hesson concluded by claiming that the Kiwis expect a strong reply from the English in the upcoming ties.
“We know how strong England are. They won’t lie down – they’ll come back even stronger,” concluded Hesson.
Also Read: NZ vs. ENG 2018: Need a Bit of Luck, We Aren’t Machines – Chris Woakes
