Kane Williamson ruled out of New Zealand's first match of ICC Cricket World Cup 2023

Kane Williamson will be playing as a pure batter against Pakistan in opening warm-up game.

New Zealand captain Kane Williamson has been ruled out of the Kiwi team’s ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 opening clash against England at Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium in Ahmedabad. The Blackcaps skipper is currently undergoing rehabilitation due to a knee injury he carried while playing the IPL 2023 opener for Gujarat Titans. Kane Williamson might be missing the first few games for New Zealand in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023.

New Zealand will be taking the field against Pakistan in their opening warm-up fixture in Hyderabad on Friday. New Zealand coach Gary Stead confirmed that Williamson will be playing in the first warm-up game only as a pure batter and in the next game against South Africa in Trivandrum he will be taking the field as well. The New Zealand captain suffered a massive ACL injury that ruled him out for a major part of the New Zealand away season. 

NZ giving Williamson time he needs

Coach Gary Stead also informed that the priority of the management was to get Williamson fit as soon as possible in the team. Stead said, “Right from the start we have taken a long-term view on Kane’s return to play. His recovery is tracking well and now it’s a matter of making sure he can cope with the rigorous and intensity of international cricket.” Coach Gary Stead was firm in taking Kane Williamson along even as a mentor in the campaign. 

He also informed the media that the team is not putting any pressure on Williamson to expedite his comeback and allowing him to take as much time as he can to make a comeback. Stead said, “We will continue to take a day-by-day approach to Kane’s rehabilitation and certainly will not be putting any pressure on him to return before he is ready.” Williamson was expected to be fully fit for a comeback after the Kiwi team’s first 3-4 games. 

In Kane Williamson’s absence, Tom Latham will be leading the side. Latham was appointed vice-captain of the team and will also be leading the charge in the first half of New Zealand’s league-round campaign. New Zealand are in search of their maiden World Cup title. They almost came closer to winning the championship in the 2019 edition in England. All 15 members of the squad will play in warm-up games.