Today, Kane Williamson was picked to start for New Zealand against Pakistan in their T20I International home series following his injury recovery. Williamson was out for nine months due to a knee injury. Thus he missed the ODI and T20 series versus Bangladesh last month in order to recover fully.
The 33-year-old was sidelined from his white-ball duties last month as a precaution. But he bounced back to participate during the 50-over World Cup as well as a two-Test series in Bangladesh.
Williamson’s gradual comeback will involve a break in the third game of the Pakistan series. This series is all set to begin on January 12 and include five matches between the sides. Mitchell Santner, an all-rounder, will captain the Black Caps for the Dunedin encounter.
In addition to missing both white-ball series against Bangladesh, opening batsman Devon Conway is back, while fast bowlers Matt Henry and Lockie Ferguson are set to play for the first time for their countries since suffering injuries during the World Cup.
Due to chronic injuries, all-rounder Rachin Ravindra, who amassed 578 runs during the World Cup, was noticeably absent from the 15-man roster. Seamer Kyle Jamieson as well as spinner Michael Bracewell additionally were not included.
New Zealand full squad: Kane Williamson (c) (matches 1, 2, 4 and 5), Adam Milne, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Josh Clarkson (match 3 only), Tim Seifert (wk), Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Devon Conway (wk), Lockie Ferguson (matches 3, 4 and 5), Matt Henry, Ben Sears (matches 1 and 2).
“He’s still very much part of our thinking for the T20 World Cup” : Gary Stead
New Zealand team head coach spoke about giving adequate rest to Rachin Ravindra. Gary Stead said, “Rachin’s a young player who has immense value to New Zealand Cricket and we therefore want to look after his wellbeing.”
The coach added, “He’s the only player or staff member to have been touring non-stop for the past five months across five countries and that’s simply not sustainable. He’s still very much part of our thinking for the T20 World Cup in June and will come back into the reckoning for the T20 series against Australia in February.”
Fans react as Kane Williamson returns to T20I cricket after 14 months as New Zealand announce squad for Pakistan series: –
Captain Kane Williamson is back in T20I….!!!
He will be playing his first T20I after 14 months on January 12th against Pakistan. pic.twitter.com/0B7DiylGzb
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) January 3, 2024
@CricCrazyJohns , Kane Mama is back. The Mr. Dependable for NZ in all formats. Once in a generation kind of player for NZ pic.twitter.com/q37K5ylTl7
— Shivam Sopori?? (@shivamsopori) January 3, 2024
Kane is a good Captain And Good Player ?
— Shivaye ? (@shivaye01) January 3, 2024
Wow, he is best ?
New Zealand testing their best players against pakistan
— Sports Chronicle (@sportschr0nicle) January 3, 2024
Good news for team
— Anand Prakash (@anand11_aap) January 3, 2024
Williamson good pleyar
— ??Kavi?? (@kavi8696) January 3, 2024
Kane Williamson isn't just a fantastic player; he's also a remarkable ambassador for the game. Cool, composed, and seemingly devoid of any detractors, he's earned widespread respect.
— Narrative Nomad (@Idealist96) January 3, 2024
He owns pakistan
— z. (@sunflowerbbyx_) January 3, 2024
He is calm and polite
— Babar badshah??? (@MeharTaha104) January 3, 2024
Kya bar bar Kane is back laga rakha h khelta to h nahi sala
— Sumer veera Viratian 18 (@SumerViratian) January 3, 2024
