Kane Williamson to miss ICC World Cup 2023 fixture against England

New Zealand captain Kane Williamson is set to miss the curtain-raiser of the ICC World Cup 2023 against England in Ahmedabad on October 5 owing to a recovering knee injury.

Williamson will play as a specialist batter in New Zealand’s first warm-up match against Pakistan in Hyderabad. Though, he is expected to bat and field in the second warm-up game against South Africa in Thiruvananthapuram on Monday.

New Zealand head coach Gary Stead gave an update about Kane Williamson’s road to recovery.

“Right from the start we’ve taken a long-term view on Kane’s return to play,” New Zealand’s head coach Gary Stead said. “His recovery is tracking well and it’s now a matter of making sure he can cope with the rigours and intensity of international cricket. We’ll continue to take a day by day approach to Kane’s rehabilitation and certainly won’t be putting any pressure on him to return before he is ready.”

The 33-year-old batter tore the cruciate ligament in his right knee playing for Indian Premier League side Gujarat Titans in April, which looked to have scuppered his chances of making the showpiece tournament.

Wicketkeeper batter Tom Latham will lead New Zealand in two warm-up matches as well as the opening match against England.

New Zealand ICC World Cup 2023 squad

Kane Williamson (c), Trent Boult, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Will Young

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