"Suffered a little bit of FOMO" - Kane Williamson rues missing IND vs NZ 2024 Test series
Veteran New Zealand batter Kane Williamson has acknowledged that he underwent 'FOMO' (Fear of missing out) when he was sidelined due to injury during the three-Test tour of India. However, the classy right-handed batter remains in awe of what the Kiwis achieved in India, naming it among their all-time cricketing memories.
The Black Caps had won their last Test on Indian soil in 1988 and hadn't won a series until this year. Not only did they register a series win, but they consigned Team India to a 3-0 whitewash. With Williamson not playing all three Tests due to a groin injury, Will Young filled his spot with aplomb, playing vital knocks under pressure.
Speaking to reporters on Monday, Williamson said he was desperate to be on the field, but felt it was right to be sidelined. As quoted by ESPN Cricinfo, the 34-year-old claimed:
"It was a lot of internal temptation [to try and get there], for sure, then after a few discussions it was keep taking that time to get it right so that's what I did. Suffered a little bit of FOMO, which is a good thing, but just admired it really. To go over and play the way they did, so special, one of our all-time cricketing memories."
New Zealand also became the first team to consign India to a series sweep in their backyard where three or more matches are involved.
"Such a huge member and leader of our side" - Kane Williamson on Tim Southee
With Tim Southee set to bid adieu to Tests after their upcoming series against England, Williamson looked back on the moments alongside him and lauded the veteran for his feats as a bowler. He said:
"Playing so long together, you just go through so much. Both doing stints in leadership roles and you go through different turbulent times, then you have some good ones as well and they are all part of the experience.
"To do it as long as Tim has is incredible as a fast bowler, there's not many in the history of the game who have been able to achieve what he has. Such a huge member [and] leader of our side and a close friend as well."
The first of the three Tests between New Zealand and England begins on November 28 in Christchurch.