ICC Cricket World Cup 2023: Kane Williamson declared fit, set to return in NZ vs BAN clash

Kane Williamson missed first two games for New Zealand in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023.

The ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 has been a record-breaking tournament so far, and some huge records got broken in the first week of the tournament. New Zealand started the proceedings with a thumping win over the defending champions England in the tournament's opener and have looked like a formidable unit, too, without Kane Williamson.

New Zealand are sitting at the top of the table with four points and a NRR of +1.958. They beat England and Netherlands without regular skipper Kane Williamson, who had been sidelined due to fitness issue. However, huge confidence-boosting news is coming for New Zealand fans as Williamson has been declared fit and will be making his first appearance in the coming game for his team.

ICC Cricket World Cup 2023: Kane Williamson declared fit for the coming game against Bangladesh

New Zealand will play their next game on Friday, October 13, against Bangladesh. That game will be played at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. As per the latest reports, Kane Williamson has been declared fit to feature in that clash. It will be huge news for the Black Caps because his return will surely strengthen the batting more, as he showed in the warmup games.

The pitch in Chennai helps spinners a lot, and Williamson is very strong against spin bowlers. Rachin Ravindra has done a tremendous job in both games. The left-hander has scored 174 runs in two innings and made a remarkable debut with an unbeaten hundred against England. Williamson was out of action for the last six months due to a knee injury but was picked in the IPL 2023.

On Wednesday, Kiwi head coach Gary Stead confirmed that the regular captain has shown good growth and has checked all the boxes to play his first game of the tournament. He said, “At this stage, all things are looking good for Kane's return in this game – but we still say that with an air of caution. He’s had a great five or six last days, really ramped up the fielding aspect of things." Stead also said that Williamson will feature in the playing XI if he gets fit, and we will have to see what will be the better combination on the day.