Kane Williamson ruled out of 3rd IND vs NZ 2024 Test
Former New Zealand captain Kane Williamson won't travel to India for the upcoming Mumbai Test. The ace batter had missed the first two fixtures of the three-match series as well due to a groin injury.
Williamson will continue to work on his rehabilitation as he aims to be fully fit for New Zealand's three-match home Test series against England, beginning November 28. The Blackcaps' head coach Gary Stead confirmed that while the 34-year-old has been recovering well, he isn't ready for a return yet.
Stead was quoted as saying by NZC:
"Kane continues to show good signs, but isn’t quite ready to jump on a plane and join us. While things are looking promising, we think the best course of action is for him to stay in New Zealand and focus on the final part of his rehabilitation so he’ll be good to go for England. The England series is still a month away so taking the cautious approach now will ensure he is ready for the first Test in Christchurch."
It is worth mentioning that Kane Williamson sustained a groin injury during his team's two-match away Test series against Sri Lanka last month. He suffered the injury in the second fixture of the series.
Despite Kane Williamson's absence, New Zealand clinched a historic Test series victory over India
Kane Williamson's absence in the first two Tests of New Zealand's India series was expected to be a big miss, given that he has been his team's middle-order lynchpin for several years.
However, despite the veteran batter's absence, the Tom Latham-led side were able to dominate the Men in Blue in Bengaluru and Pune, claiming back-to-back victories. New Zealand secured an eight-wicket victory in the opening encounter, claiming their first Test victory on Indian soil since 1988.
They followed it up with a comprehensive 113-run win in the subsequent contest, taking an unassailable 2-0 lead and clinching their maiden Test series victory in India.
The third and final Test of the series is set to be played at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. The match kicks off on Friday, November 1.