New Zealand’s white-ball captain, Kane Williamson, is expected to miss the upcoming T20I series against Australia due to personal reasons. Kane Williamson’s absence is attributed to his wife expecting their third child, leading him to take a break from the T20I series.
Kane Williamson is currently engaged in the ongoing two-match Test series against South Africa. Williamson showcased remarkable form in the Black Caps’ 281-run victory in the series opener. He is expected to depart after the second Test in Seddon Park, Hamilton.
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Kane Williamson To Miss Australia T20Is – Reports
Following the Test series against the Proteas, New Zealand will face Mitchell Marsh-led Australia in the three-match series, starting on February 21 at Sky Stadium in Wellington. Kane Williamson will miss the home series as he and his wife are expecting their third child.
Kane Williamson will miss the Australian T20i series as his wife is pregnant.
Many congratulations to Kane Mama and his wife…!!! 👼🏻 pic.twitter.com/daOLosJLFC
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) February 9, 2024
Kane Williamson has struggled with injuries in recent times. The right-handed batter injured his knee while fielding for Gujarat Titans during the Indian Premier League 2023. He returned for the ICC World Cup last year but missed several matches during the tournament.
The 33-year-old recently returned to competitive cricket, featuring in the first Test against a second-string South African squad. His comeback followed his absence from the three matches of the T20I series against Pakistan due to a hamstring injury last month.
Kane Williamson became the fifth New Zealand batter to score a century in both innings at Mount Maunganui. Additionally, he became the first New Zealand batter to reach 30 centuries in Test cricket during the first innings of the opening Test against South Africa.
In the second innings of the Test, Williamson extended his impressive form with his 31st Test century. He scored 109 runs off 132 balls, featuring 12 fours and a six. Notably, he has scored six Test centuries in his last 10 innings, showcasing his remarkable batting prowess.
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Daryl Mitchell Ruled Out Of Second Test And Australia T20Is
Daryl Mitchell has been ruled out of the second Test against South Africa and the upcoming T20I series versus Australia due to his foot injury. Mitchell aims to recover in time for the forthcoming two-match Test series against Australia, which will begin on February 29.
New Zealand head coach Gary Stead confirmed Daryl Mitchell’s absence from the second Test against South Africa and the T20I series against Australia. Stead expressed optimism that Mitchell will return in better form following the break.
“He needs more time to recover and after taking medical advice, we have decided to rest him. There is hardly any long break coming up and it is the best time to give him a breather. I don’t know if this will work but we are hoping to see him in a batter shape after the break,” Gary said.
New Zealand is on the verge of securing its maiden Test series win against South Africa. The second Test between the two teams is set to begin at Seddon Park in Hamilton on Tuesday, February 13.
