Prolific New Zealand batter Kane Williamson has been ruled out of the second Test against India, which begins in Pune on October 24, as he continues to recover from a groin strain.
The former captain was included in the tour squad, but delayed his departure and missed the first Test in Bengaluru, which New Zealand won by eight wickets.
New Zealand head coach Gary Stead said in a statement that Williamson was making progress, but was still not ready.
“We’re monitoring Kane and he’s tracking in the right direction but isn’t yet 100% fit,” he said.
Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel
“We’re hopeful to see further improvement over the coming days and have him available for the third Test.”
“We’ll give him as much time as possible to get himself ready, but certainly continue to take a cautious approach.”
Williamson, who is New Zealand’s greatest Test run-scorer, experienced groin discomfort during the second Test against Sri Lanka in Galle last month.
New Zealand Squad for India Tests
Tom Latham (c), Tom Blundell, Michael Bracewell (first Test only), Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Ajaz Patel, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Ben Sears, Ish Sodhi (second and third Tests only), Tim Southee, Kane Williamson, Will Young
READ: Pakistan suffer major blow ahead of third England Test