Wellington: In a great news for New Zealand Cricket, skipper Kane Williamson has been confirmed to be included in the Kiwis’ 15-member ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup squad.
Williamson, who injured his knee in the Indian Premier League, has made sufficient progress in his recovery to be named in the World Cup squad although he may not be fit enough to play the very first match of the tournament, an ICC report said.
“Kane has applied phenomenal dedication to his rehabilitation and has been supported by a strong group of experts around him,” head coach Gary Stead said.
“He’s left no stone unturned in trying to get back playing cricket at the highest level. We are delighted to be in a place to select him,” he said.
“At the same time, he’s also kept perspective about his recovery and hasn’t wanted to rush or force his way back too early. As we’ve previously said, it’s great he wants to play cricket for New Zealand in the long term,” Stead said.
“As we’ve said throughout this process we want to give Kane every bit of available time to aid his recovery. The World Cup is not a short tournament and we will continue to monitor his progress over the next month ahead of the first tournament match,” he said.
Williamson has been training with the New Zealand team in their tour of England although he isn’t part of the squad. As he continues to recover from knee surgery, Williamson will hope he can be in New Zealand’s plans right from the onset.
The veteran batter has played only 12 ODIs since the end of the 2019 Cricket World Cup final, but remains a key part of the fifty-overs squad and has a phenomenal record in the format.
New Zealand are set to name the World Cup squad on September 11.
