Kane Williamson, New Zealand’s captain, has been ruled out of the second and final Test against England at Edgbaston due to a left elbow injury, the team confirmed on Wednesday.
The Blackcaps, on the other hand, are sure he will be fit to lead the squad in the maiden World Test Championship final, which begins on June 18 against India. Since missing matches in March, Williamson, who led New Zealand in last week’s drawn first Test against England at Lord’s, has been managing the ailment.
On Wednesday, the world’s top-ranked Test batsman was ruled out of the second Test, which is set to begin at Birmingham’s Edgbaston Stadium the next day.
In a statement, New Zealand coach Gary Stead stated, “It’s not an easy decision for Kane to miss a Test, but we feel it’s the right one.”
“He’s had an injection in his elbow to relieve the irritation he’s been experiencing when he bats and a period of rest and rehabilitation will help maximise his recovery.”
“The decision was taken with the ICC World Test Championship final at Southampton in mind, and we are optimistic he will be fit for that match beginning on June 18,” Stead continued.
In Williamson’s absence, Tom Latham will lead the side, with Will Young, who has two first-class hundreds for English county Durham this season, stepping in at number three.
“Someone of his (Williamson’s) leadership, his calibre as a player, it’s obviously disappointing that he’s been ruled out to nurse his elbow injury,” Latham told reporters.
“He’s fantastic as a captain. I think it’s well-documented how his personality, his calm nature out in the middle, has been vital to this group. He’s very relaxed.”
“He doesn’t get too high, and doesn’t get too low, which has been great for this side over recent years… He’ll certainly be missed,” added Latham, looking to lead New Zealand to their first series win in England since 1999.
