New Zealand captain Kane Williamson is ready to return to the team after missing both of his team’s matches at the ICC World Cup 2023 so far. The Kiwis will play Bangladesh in Chennai on Friday. Pacemaker Tim Southee is also available for selection as coach Gary Stead confirmed these developments in a press conference.
After tearing his cruciate ligament in the IPL earlier this year, Williamson is healthy again. Williamson took part in New Zealand’s warm-up games against Pakistan and South Africa, but missed his first two matches, which were wins against England and the Netherlands.
“He has made very good progress. The last five or six days have been great for him and he has been really careful defensively. That is the most important thing for Kane right now. What’s important right now is less about his injury and more about his ability to run between the wickets, around the field and consistently throughout a 50-over match.We are happy with his position
There are still two training sessions left, but at this stage Kane looks comfortable returning to this match. But we still say that with caution, but we’re really happy with his performance,” Stead was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo.
“If Kane is available, he will play. There is no doubt about that. He is one of the best players in the world. , Stead said, asking the question‘How does this fit together?’
Tom Latham led the New Zealand team in Williamson’s absence.
Tim Southee Will Be Available For Selection: Gary Stead
Meanwhile, Southie underwent surgery on a fractured right thumb before the tournament, but is now available for selection.
“Tim will be available for selection, he has done well, the thumb seems to be fixed very well, he has been bowling at full strength in the last few training sessions So he’s definitely going to be an option,” Stead said.
