ODI World Cup 2023: Kane Williamson To Remain Unavailable For Match Against Netherlands
Williamson's fielding ability was restricted due to a damaged anterior cruciate ligament that he sustained earlier in the year.
Kane Williamson, the captain of New Zealand's cricket team, will not be available for the squad's second game against the Netherlands in the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023. Williamson has been practising with the team, but he is not yet ready to play in the forthcoming game. But fast bowlers Tim Southee and Lockie Ferguson are poised to return to the team.
Williamson's fielding ability was restricted due to a damaged anterior cruciate ligament that he sustained earlier in the year. In the warm-up matches between New Zealand and Pakistan and South Africa, he batted but was not put in danger on the pitch. Four days after the Netherlands match, in the next match, he is likely to be back in the starting lineup against Bangladesh.
Defying England handily in their opening World Cup match, New Zealand began their campaign. They will want to keep up their winning streak against other formidable tournament competitors even with Williamson out.
Gary Stead, the head coach of New Zealand, stated on Sunday that Kane had been improving greatly.
"I believe that he still needs to rise a little bit higher in his fielding and gain a little bit more confidence in his body.
"However, he is making great progress, and we have a good feeling that he will participate in our third game.
We need to complete another training session today, then after that we'll finalise the team (for the match against the Netherlands).
"With Kane, though, it appears that he will begin the tournament in the third game at this point."
In their opening encounter of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023, New Zealand defeated England by nine wickets with a powerful display. With the help of a dominant partnership between Devon Conway (who scored an undefeated 152*) and Rachin Ravindra (who also scored 123*), they were able to successfully chase down a target of 283 runs.
Trent Boult and Matt Henry spearheaded New Zealand's bowling assault, which hindered England's ability to amass a significant score. Utilising spin options, New Zealand was able to maintain control over the squad who defeated them in the thrilling 2019 Cricket World Cup final.
Pacers Tim Southee and Lockie Ferguson are available for their upcoming matchups, as New Zealand aims to build on their winning start in the tournament's group round. Their resounding victory over England has started their World Cup campaign on a high note.