Kane Williamson to Miss England T20Is, Eyes ODI Return
Kane Williamson will miss the upcoming T20I series against England at home, with the star batter aiming to return for the subsequent ODI series. Williamson, who recently returned to New Zealand, last played international cricket in the Champions Trophy final against India in Dubai back in March.
Williamson, 35, holds a casual contract with New Zealand Cricket (NZC). He had previously opted out of the three-match T20I series against Australia and the Zimbabwe tour to participate in county cricket and the Hundred, a part of his agreement with Middlesex.
New Zealand coach Rob Walter mentioned that Williamson has been dealing with a “minor medical issue” recently and that it was mutually agreed that he needed additional recovery time. “He’s obviously a world-class player, and we’re hoping these two weeks will ensure he’s ready for the ODIs against England and the following tour by the West Indies,” Walter stated.
Regular white-ball captain Mitchell Santner is back in charge after recovering from abdominal surgery. Fast bowler Ben Sears, however, is sidelined due to a left-hamstring injury sustained during training last week. An MRI scan revealed a hamstring tear, requiring three to four weeks for recovery.
Rachin Ravindra is set to return to action after being ruled out of the Australia T20Is due to a facial injury. The all-rounder had collided with the boundary boards during fielding practice at Bay Oval leading up to the first T20I.
Several other players, including Finn Allen (foot), Adam Milne (ankle), Will O’Rourke (back), Glenn Phillips (groin), and Lockie Ferguson (hamstring), are also unavailable due to injuries. Veteran wristspinner Ish Sodhi, New Zealand’s most-capped T20I player, was not selected.
Ravindra will serve as the third spin-bowling option, supporting captain Santner and Michael Bracewell. Mark Chapman can also contribute with left-arm spin if required.
“It’s great to have Mitch back,” Walter said. “Alongside being our leader, he’s one of the very best white-ball spinners in the world, and his skills and experience will be a welcome addition. Likewise, it’s nice to welcome back Rachin who was unlucky to miss out on Australia, and I know is really excited for this series.”
Bevon Jacobs is set to receive his maiden international cap. Kyle Jamieson, Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy, and Zak Foulkes have also been retained, along with all-rounder Jimmy Neesham.
Neesham had initially been selected as a replacement for Ravindra during the Australia T20Is and impressed in the third T20I in Mount Maunganui, taking 4 for 26. Neesham has expressed his ambition to represent New Zealand in the 2026 T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.
“I want to win a World Cup for New Zealand, and that’s the reason I’m still playing and I’m still available,” Neesham said. “It’s a very, very clear goal of mine. What happens with selection in the six months leading up to the tournament is up to powers above me. But no, I’ll just stay ready. If I’m in the squads or not leading up to the tournament, I’ll just take that in my stride and try and provide performances as best as I can when I’m selected in most teams.”
The T20I series against England begins at Hagley Oval in Christchurch on October 18, with subsequent matches on October 20 in Christchurch and the final match in Auckland. The three-match ODI series is scheduled from October 26 to November 1. Williamson could potentially make his return at his home ground, Bay Oval, on October 26.
NZ T20I squad: Mitchell Santner (capt), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Matt Henry, Bevon Jacobs, Kyle Jamieson, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Robinson, Tim Seifert (wk)
Disclaimer: This news article is based on publicly available information and may be subject to updates.
