IND vs NZ: Blow To New Zealand As Kane Williamson Gets Ruled Out Of 3rd T20I vs India, Tim Southee Named Captain

New Zealand National Cricket Team have suffered a huge blow ahead of the third and final T20I against India National Cricket Team as Kane Williamson has been ruled out of the game because of a pre-arranged medical appointment. However, the 32-year-old is expected to rejoin the squad ahead of the three-match ODI series.

The Men In Blue have a 1-0 lead in the three-match T20I series and the final T20I game is scheduled to be played at McLean Park in Napier on Tuesday, November 22.

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Notably, the first T20I game was abandoned due to rain without a ball bowled at the Sky Stadium in Wellington on Friday, November 18. While, India crushed New Zealand by 65 runs in the second T20I game at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui on Sunday, November 20.

Veteran right-arm pacer Tim Southee, who bagged a hat-trick in the second T20I, has been named as the skipper of the side for the third T20I in Williamson’s absence.

Also, left-handed batter Mark Chapman has been included in the squad as a cover for Williamson. Chapman is set to join the New Zealand camp in Napier on Monday, November 21.

We look forward to seeing him in Auckland – Gary Stead on Kane Williamson

New Zealand National Cricket Team head coach Gary Stead has confirmed that the medical appointment of the Kiwi captain had nothing to do with his elbow problem, an injury that Kane Williamson has been coping with over several months.

Also, Stead was looking forward to seeing Williamson back into the squad for the ODI series, which will begin on November 25 in Auckland. The second and third ODI games are set to take place in Hamilton and Christchurch on November 27 and 30.

“Kane’s been trying to get this booked in for a while now, but unfortunately it hasn’t been able to fit into our schedule,” Stead said.

“The health and well-being of our players and staff is paramount, and we look forward to seeing him in Auckland.”

Talking about Williamson’s replacement, Chapman, Stead said that the left-hander is a quality player.

“He’s a quality player who offers good versatility in the order,” Stead said.

Also Read: IND vs NZ: “Suryakumar Yadav Is The Best Player In The World” – Kane Williamson Hails India Batter After Second T20I