- By Manik Sharma
- Mon, 15 Jan 2024 04:37 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
NZ vs PAK: New Zealand's cricket captain, Kane Williamson, is unlikely to participate in the final three T20 International matches against Pakistan, as he retired hurt with a hamstring injury during the team's recent victory in Hamilton.
Williamson, who scored 26 off 15 balls, felt tightness in his right hamstring, the same leg as his previous knee injury. He has returned to Tauranga for a scan, and while he was already set to miss the third match, his availability for the last two games is uncertain.
Kane Williamson faced a challenging period with multiple injuries in recent months. He suffered an ACL rupture during the initial IPL 2023 match for Gujarat Titans, leading to an over six months absence from competitive cricket.
New Zealand are prioritising the upcoming Test series against South Africa, commencing on February 3. Gary Stead, the coach of the New Zealand team, expressed concerns about Williamson's injury and stated that a further decision would be made after the scan results.
"It's the same leg as what his knee injury was on. He's gone home to Tauranga. He'll get a scan today,” EspnCricinfo quoted Gary as saying.
Will Young, initially scheduled to join the team, is likely to remain as a replacement.
"Until I know more about the scan, then I haven't got any further update at this stage. Will Young was going to join the team anyway for this [part of the] series. Kane wasn't going to join. I think it's likely that Will will stay on, but until we get the scan results from Kane, then we can't make a further decision," New Zealand head coach confirmed.
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In Williamson's absence, Tim Seifert is expected to step in and take the wicket keeping duties from Devon Conway.
New Zealand are currently leading the series 2-0 with the third match of the 5-match series to be played on January 17 in Dunedin.