After retiring with a hamstring injury during New Zealand’s 21-run victory over Pakistan in Hamilton on Sunday, Kane Williamson is unlikely to play in the final three matches of the ongoing T20 series.
Williamson returned to Tauranga by air and was scheduled to undergo an examination on Monday. Wednesday in Dunedin was always his scheduled absence for the third match of the series, but he is a significant uncertainty for the remaining two contests. Priority is being placed on New Zealand’s forthcoming two-Test series against South Africa, which commences on February 3, in which they hold a 2-0 series lead.
Following right hamstring discomfort, he retired injured on Sunday after 26 runs off 15 deliveries. “It’s the same leg where his knee injury was,” New Zealand’s coach Gary Stead said on Monday morning, alluding to Williamson’s six-month absence last year due to a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). “He returned to Tauranga at home.” Today, he will undergo a scanning procedure.
“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.”
Stead responded when asked whether Williamson would participate in the final two Twenty20 Internationals: “It is highly improbable that he will do so. I mean, considering how near the Test matches are as well, and the fact that in the grand scheme of things, the short term is probably more important to us, I believe it’s probable that we’ll attempt to ensure that he’s fit for that.”
Stead stated that Tim Seifert, who has yet to make his debut in this series, is “probably” going to supplant Williamson in the lineup and will “take the gloves from Devon Conway.” “Another test will pass without Kane in attendance, who I believe consistently lends that stability to your batting,” That will likely present Tim Seifert with an opportunity to demonstrate his continued prowess and cover the void that Kane has likely left for the remainder of the series.
Trent Boult, who has not participated in a Twenty20 International since the 2022 World Cup semifinals, is still a member of New Zealand’s roster for the 2024 tournaments in the Caribbean and the United States, according to Stead. Boult, who lacks a central contract, is scheduled to represent MI Emirates, an affiliate of Mumbai Indians, in the impending ILT20.
Immediately following the ILT20, New Zealand will face Australia in three Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) from February 21-25; Stead stated that Boult’s availability is uncertain. “We have attempted to make up on multiple occasions but have been unsuccessful. That is an aspect that we shall resolve at a later time. His immediate obligations are unknown at the moment, so I still need to determine that.”
