Kane Williamson, New Zealand’s leading batsman, will miss the second Test against India as he recovers from a groin strain he got during their tour of Sri Lanka in September. Williamson has previously missed the first Test in Bengaluru because of the same issue and is still in New Zealand receiving rehab.
While Williamson’s recovery is progressing well, he is still not well enough to play Test cricket, according to New Zealand head coach Gary Stead. Stead expressed confidence that Williamson will be fit to play the third Test, but reminded about managing his recovery.
With Williamson out of action, Will Young, who was crucial in New Zealand’s historic victory in the first Test, is likely to keep his place in the team. In the second innings of the Bengaluru Test, Young contributed a not-out 48, leading New Zealand to win by 8 wickets.
New Zealand secured their first Test win in India in 36 years, with Matt Henry and William O’Rourke playing key roles by restricting India to just 46 runs in their first innings. Rachin Ravindra’s century and Devon Conway’s 91 runs helped New Zealand secure an early advantage.
The second innings saw India making an impressive comeback, led by Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Sarfaraz Khan, and Rishabh Pant. They overcame the setback, but New Zealand’s bowlers, helped by the new ball, caused another Indian batting collapse.
New Zealand took a 1-0 lead in the series as Rachin Ravindra and Will Young helped the team clinch the victory. The victory was a big milestone for the Blackcaps, placing them in a strong position heading into the next Test match.
New Zealand will face India in the second Test at the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) Stadium in Pune, where they anticipate a slow, low pitch. After their unexpected loss in the opening match, India will likely be driven to equalize the series.
New Zealand faces a challenge with Williamson missing, but they are banking on important players like Ravindra, Conway, and Young to sustain their performance. The pace bowling duo of Henry and O’Rourke is anticipated to play a vital role yet again.
New Zealand’s selection for the second Test includes captain Tom Latham, wicketkeeper Tom Blundell, and seasoned players including Tim Southee, Mitchell Santner, and Ajaz Patel, as well as Williamson, who is scheduled to return later in the series.
As the Indian team is trying to recover, the second Test will be a crucial match that decides the series’ destiny, with both teams pushing for victory when play starts on Thursday, October 24.
