Karachi: New Zealand captain Kane Williamson has been ruled out of the second Test against England at Edgbaston due to his persistent elbow injury.
Opener Tom Latham, the side’s vice-captain, will lead the team in Williamson’s absence. He previously led against Australia at the SCG in January 2020 and West Indies at Wellington in December.
The injury is not expected to rule him out of the World Test Championship final against India, which starts on June 18 at the Ageas Bowl.
“It’s not an easy decision for Kane to have to miss a Test, but we think it’s the right one,” Gary Stead, New Zealand’s head coach, said.
“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,” he added.
Williamson will be replaced in the New Zealand side by Will Young, the top-order batter who won both of his Test caps to date in the home series against West Indies in December.