NZ vs BAN: Kane Williamson available, Tim Southee still unavailable for ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 match 11

New Zealand captain Kane Williamson to be available against Bangladesh in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023.

Kane Williamson, the captain of New Zealand cricket team, is really happy and looking forward to playing in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. This will be his first game in the tournament, and it's extra special because he made an incredible recovery from an ACL injury.

Williamson was at New Zealand's press conference with the media before their match with Bangladesh at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Friday. This is a strong sign that he's back and ready to play.

In the press conference, Williamson talked about the process of getting fit for the match. However, he didn't dwell on the past and immediately shifted his focus to the upcoming challenge of facing Bangladesh. He aims to continue the good work that his teammates have started with two convincing victories at the beginning of their campaign.

"It's been quite a journey, but largely a good one that's had some really good progress, and you know, as I've said a number of times, I'm really excited to be named in the World Cup squad. I'm sitting here now and really excited at the prospect of tomorrow, which is another big challenge for us," Williamson said.

"A new venue, new opposition, as we know, which always happens in world events. We're looking forward to the challenge," he added.

Kane Williamson talks about the "series of really small steps" he took to recover from his injury.

It will be an amazing comeback for the 33-years-old. He injured his knee (anterior cruciate ligament) while playing in IPL only six months ago. Williamson couldn't play in the first two matches of the World Cup against England and Netherlands, but he did bat in New Zealand's warm-up games against Pakistan and South Africa.

"It certainly started with strength and range in terms of the knee, and then gradually trying to improve that and control a bit.

"And so, yeah, I mean each week throughout the last period of time since I've been, I guess, rehabbing has been really important and really valuable. So, it was nice to get a little bit of that time in the last week or two, and like I say, I look forward to tomorrow as a side," he said.

Tim Southee still unavailable for selection

Kane Williamson has confirmed that Tim Southee is still unavailable for selection due to a hand injury he suffered during their tour of England last month. Southee broke his thumb while fielding in a series against England leading up to this World Cup. Despite making good progress, he won't be part of the team for now, as confirmed by his captain.

Talking about Southee's fitness, Kane Williamson in the pre-match press conference said, "Tim's progressing well, but won't be playing tomorrow's (Bangladesh) game."