Williamson’s injury is a major blow to the Black Caps considering his experience in India and New Zealand’s struggles to make runs in Sri Lanka. He suffered groin discomfort during the second Test in Galle and required lengthy rehabilitation at home before flying to India.
Black Caps selector Sam Wells confirmed Williamson would miss the first Test, although he had hoped he would be available for a role later in the series.
“We have been advised that the best course of action is for Kane to rest and rehabilitate now rather than risk aggravating his injury,” Wells said. “If the rehabilitation plan goes well, we expect Kane to be available for the second half of the tour.
“It’s obviously disappointing not to be able to see Kane from the start of the tour, but it provides an opportunity for someone else to take on the role in an important series.”
Williamson’s injury opens the door for Chapman to make his Test debut after playing 78 white-ball matches for New Zealand.
He played just three Plunket Shield games for Auckland last summer in February and March, but scored 123 against Otago and 83 off 68 in the final innings against Central Districts, hitting 3 in both games. Climbed on top.
New Zealand squad for India Test
:
Tom Latham (captain), Tom Blundell (main), Michael Bracewell (1st Test only), Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Ajaz Patel, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner; Ben Sears, Ish Sodhi (2nd and 3rd Tests only), Tim Southee, Kane Williamson, Will Young.
