Former New Zealand Test skipper Kane Williamson has been ranked the number one Test batter. Notably, he last played the format in February this year. Since then he was rested for the Pakistan tour in April. Also, during the opening game of the IPL 2023, Williamson got injured. Since then, the right-hander hasn’t played the game. He has been recovering from a knee injury.
Meanwhile, the 2021 WTC winning skipper has been ranked the number one batter. He has replaced Australia Test vice-captain, Steve Smith. The latter has been followed by Marnus Labuschagne and Travis Head.
Kane Williamson’s participation in ODI World Cup 2023 is uncertain
The New Zealand white-ball skipper is doubtful for the ODI World Cup 2023 in India in October-November. As per a media release from NZC, it was stated that it is highly unlikely that Kane will participate. However, the former New Zealand U19 skipper has been recovering well although it might still be a case where he still might not play.
“I’m just trying to keep it week-to-week at the moment,” Williamson said.
“I’m making progress, but I’m not putting a timeline on anything. I haven’t had such a long-term injury before but talking to other people that have, the journey is a bit of a long one so if you look too far ahead it can probably become a little bit daunting.
“Whereas, one week at a time, ticking off those small markers, those little wins that are nice to experience. But also knowing that the journey won’t be completely smooth and you have a few setbacks along the way that you have to navigate.”
“Probably more for sanity and changing things up … just nice to mix up all the gym work and the physio work and rehab-specific stuff to spend a bit of time with some of the other guys that are training,” he said. “Super keen to get back in the nets, for sure.”
This is how Twitter reacted
Scored 121* & 215 in last 2 Tests he played. pic.twitter.com/1TisVWxZtY
— Cricpedia. (@_Cricpedia) July 5, 2023
Congrts Kane bhai
— Devesh Dubey (@DeveshDubey__) July 5, 2023
He deserved it.
— Wali Rehman (@walirehman903) July 5, 2023
— sarvesh (@Sarvesh1289) July 5, 2023
Smith, Root and Marnus were fighting for number 1 spot
Meanwhile Kane mama came out of nowhere ?
— Dhaval Patel (@CricCrazy0) July 5, 2023
Smith and root fighting for no.1 position in test
Meanwhile Kane to them pic.twitter.com/RR2e87qSTX— Kalyan Babu Draksharam (@KDrakshram) July 5, 2023
Shows how preposterous ICC rankings are, my man hasn't played a test since February, but here we are.
— Hisham (@deadpitch) July 5, 2023
My honest reaction pic.twitter.com/aLspsGw87h
— DANNY_X7 (@Mooh_me_Lelo) July 5, 2023
Playing At Home With Tennis Ball Also Count ? ?
— Ashish. (@____ashish_m) July 5, 2023
After Playing this big under pressure inning ? pic.twitter.com/UkYmLEQ0LX
— Sahil ? (@sahil_sk17) July 5, 2023