Kane Williamson will not play in the opening Test match against India, which starts on Wednesday, October 16, at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, according to New Zealand captain Tom Latham. Williamson has not yet entirely healed from a groin ailment that has been bothering him.
Tim Southee resigned as captain of New Zealand’s red-ball team after the series whitewash over Sri Lanka, and Latham was just named the replacement. The 31-year-old Will Young will replace Williamson in the opening Test match against India, the southpaw revealed.
Latham expressed disappointment at Kane Williamson absence but hoped Young would take full advantage of his chance.
“Not having Kane (Williamson) here is unfortunate. Tomorrow, Will Young will perform. He has long been a member of the team. From opening to playing at number three or four, he has batted. India Today cited Latham as saying, “It’s an opportunity to put his hands up, he has performed well in the past.”
Being in this position is a tremendously thrilling privilege for me: Tom Latham
Latham has assumed leadership of the Blackcaps during a challenging time. Following the disappointing outcome in Sri Lanka, the squad’s morale must be low, and the task becomes more difficult against an Indian team that is playing well. The opening batsman, though, is excited for the three-game series.
In the past, Latham has served as New Zealand’s interim captain when the regular captains were sidelined by injuries or other circumstances. He claimed that he is used to having more responsibilities and that he will do his best for the team.
Being in this role is a tremendously thrilling honour for me. Whether I am captain or not, I always strive to give the team my best effort, and being captain won’t change that.
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Yes, there is more responsibility, but I am eager to get started and am looking forward to it because I have been in this position before, have captained here, and have captained back home as well. Latham said.
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