Kane Williamson to Miss T20I Series Against England

New Zealand Cricket (NZC) revealed on Sunday that Kane Williamson will be absent from the forthcoming T20I series against England at home. However, he intends to be back for the subsequent ODI series.

The 35-year-old, who arrived back from overseas on Thursday, last participated in international cricket during the Champions Trophy final versus India in Dubai in March.

Williamson, who holds a casual contract with NZC, had earlier opted out of the three-match T20I series against Australia. He also decided to miss the Zimbabwe tour to participate in county cricket and The Hundred as part of his agreement with Middlesex.

New Zealand’s coach, Rob Walter, verified that Williamson has been dealing with a “minor medical issue” in recent weeks. It was mutually decided that he needed more time to recuperate.

“He’s undoubtedly a world-class player, and we’re optimistic that these two weeks will ensure his readiness for the ODIs against England and the subsequent tour by the West Indies,” Walter stated.

Regular white-ball captain Mitchell Santner is back to lead the team following abdominal surgery, while fast bowler Ben Sears will be sidelined due to a left hamstring tear he sustained in training last week. Sears is anticipated to be out of action for three to four weeks.

Rachin Ravindra, Sears’ Wellington teammate and close friend, is poised to return after being absent from the T20I series against Australia due to a facial injury incurred during fielding practice at Bay Oval.

Other injuries have led to the exclusion of Finn Allen (foot), Adam Milne (ankle), Will O’Rourke (back), Glenn Phillips (groin), and Lockie Ferguson (hamstring).

With no spot for wristspinner Ish Sodhi, Ravindra will be the third spin option alongside Santner and Michael Bracewell. Mark Chapman may also contribute with left-arm spin if necessary.

“It’s fantastic to have Mitch back. He’s not only our captain but also one of the best white-ball spinners globally. Similarly, it’s great to welcome back Rachin, who was unfortunate to miss the Australia series and is really excited for this series,” he added.

Key players Kyle Jamieson, Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, and allrounder Jimmy Neesham have all been retained.

Neesham, who celebrated his 35th birthday last month, made a strong impression in the third T20I against Australia with figures of 4 for 26 and has aspirations of playing in the 2026 T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.

“My goal is to secure a World Cup victory for New Zealand, which is why I am still playing,” Neesham commented. “Selection before the tournament is beyond my control, but I will remain prepared and perform when the opportunity arises.”

The three-match T20I series against England will commence at Hagley Oval, Christchurch, on October 18, with the second T20I taking place at the same venue on October 20.

The final T20I will be conducted in Auckland. The three-match ODI series is scheduled from October 26 to November 1, with Williamson potentially making his return at his home ground, Bay Oval.

New Zealand T20I Squad:
  • Mitchell Santner (c)
  • 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)