New Zealand captain Kane Williamson looks fit to return from injury in their game against Bangladesh in Chennai on Friday, head coach Gary Stead told a press conference, and also talked about the availability of experienced fast bowler Tim Southee.
Read more: Jasprit Bumrah Celebrated Like An English Footballer After Dismissing The Afghan Batsman
Gary Stead press conference – Kane is paying more attention to the fielding aspect
“He’s progressing very well. Williamson has looked pretty much perfect over the last five-six days. Kane is really focusing more on the fielding aspect,” Stead said. “That’s the important thing for Kane at the moment. It’s about his ability to run and field between the wickets rather than focus too much on injuries. And the ability to do that consistently in a 50-over game. We are happy with where he is…
“We still have two more training sessions to go but at this stage, everything is looking good for Kane to get back into the game. But we are still saying this with caution but we are really happy with the way he is playing.”
Kane played in New Zealand’s practice games against Pakistan and South Africa
Williamson has been working on his fitness after suffering an ACL problem in the IPL at the beginning of the year. While he played in New Zealand’s warm-up games against Pakistan and South Africa, Williamson did not feature in the first two matches of the campaign, in which they easily defeated England and the Netherlands.
Read more: Ind vs Pak Mega Clash: Rohit Sharma & Co leave for Ahmedabad, Shubman Gill has already reached
While Stead did not reveal who would make way for Williamson when he returns to the XI, Rachin Ravindra has scored a century and a half-century at No. 3 in his two matches at this World Cup.
Stead – If Kane is available, he will play. It doesn’t have any message
“If Kane is available, he will play. There is no doubt about that. He is one of the best players in the world. What we are discussing at the moment is how does it still fit in?” Steed said. “For example, we played Jimmy Neesham in the first game, but not in the second. It was around the circumstances that we thought best suited the team at that time. We have the same discussion going on around every single game “And we’re also keeping an eye on who else is in the opposition. We believe this gives us the right balance in each situation.”
Meanwhile, Southee had undergone surgery on his broken right thumb before the tournament but is now ready for selection.
Tim has been bowling at full intensity for the last few training seasons
“Tim will be available for selection, he’s tracking well. Looks like the thumb has set up pretty well,” Stead said. “He has been bowling at full intensity for the last few training seasons so he is definitely available for selection.”
