New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson is doubtful for the second Test against England in Edgbaston, starting June 10 (Thursday), confirmed head coach Gary Stead. And tha Black Caps will be without left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner, who has suffered a cut in his finger.
Williamson is being monitored by New Zealand and a call will be taken on Wednesday, head coach Gary Stead said, as quoted on the team’s social media. Williamson had suffered the injury earlier this year and it led to him missing as many as 3 Indian Premier League matches for Sunrisers Hyderabad. Williamson got a much-needed break ahead of the UK tour as the IPL 2021 was suspended midway due to positive Covid-19 cases in the bio-bubbles of multiple franchises.
Kane Williamson had said before his arrival in England that the elbow concern is being managed and he was hopeful of returning to peak fitness sooner than later. It remains to be seen if New Zealand will take a risk with their captain with just 10 days to go for the World Test Championship final against India in Southampton.
How have the boys scrubbed up after the first Test?
Coach Gary Stead has the update from Birmingham 💁♂️#ENGvNZ #CricketNation pic.twitter.com/M2A6zfVs02
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) June 8, 2021
Trent Boult like to play in Edgbaston
New Zealand fast bowler Trent Boult is in line to make a comeback to the Black Caps playing XI in the second Test against England in Edgbaston. Boult joined the squad in the UK last week, having opted to return home after IPL 2021 was postponed instead of heading straight to England.
Kiwi head coach Gary Stead had indicated that Boult might miss both Tests against England. However, a new quarantine rule in the UK has allowed the left-arm pacer to start training immediately after landing in the country.
As a result, he will be available for selection and New Zealand might be tempted to tinker with their pace attack for the second Test.
Gary Stead update, Birmingham:
– Pace bowlers from Lord’s won’t all play 2nd Test
– Trent Boult available & likely to return
– Mitch Santner ruled out with his cut left index finger
– Kane Williamson’s left elbow injury being monitored & a decision to be made tomorrow#ENGvNZ pic.twitter.com/2o46zoXWqw— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) June 8, 2021
