After Kane Williamson, yet another former New Zealand skipper set to miss 1st Test vs India: Reports

New Zealand team could miss former skipper Tim Southee for the opening Test vs India in Bengaluru on 16th October. According to a report which was carried out by ESPN CRICINFO where Kiwi coach Gary Stead cast his aspersions over Southee playing the first game. 

Gary Stead said, “Like all Test tours and series we have reviews at the end of it and Tim and I had a conversation around it, then he made the decision to stand down. He thought it was in the best interests of the team. I supported his decision around that. It allows different players to be considered in roles and as a selector and coach you are always trying to put what you think is the very best team out there”

Kane Williamson has already been ruled out of the 1st Test due to a groin injury. The 34-year-old had injured himself during the 2nd Test match versus Sri Lanka in Galle. New Zealand’s former skipper is currently working hard on his fitness to be available in time for the Pune Test. 

New Zealand looking at various combinations for Bengaluru Test 

According to Gary Stead, the conditions in Bengaluru will decide the team the Kiwis will go in with. If there is cloud cover, the visitors could play three seamers with Tim Southee playing along with Matt Henry and William Rourke. 

In the spin department, Mitchell Santner or Michael Bracewell could play. The latter has just been named for the 1st Test as he heads back home for the birth of his child. In the absence of Williamson, the are chances that Mark Chapman could play.  

The statement issued by New Zealand read “The advice we've received is that the best course of action is for Kane to rest and rehabilitate now, rather than risk aggravating the injury. We believe Mark is one of our best players of spin and has a proven track record in the sub-continent,”

New Zealand have been in the subcontinent for the last few weeks. The Kiwis saw their game against Afghanistan being rained out before losing to Sri Lanka. Tim Southee’s resignation after the series meant that Tom Latham took over. The new Kiwi skipper has said that he wants his side to play aggressive cricket to counter India in the upcoming series.