Kane Williamson injury update ahead of Pakistan World Cup clash

BENGALURU: The decision on New Zealand captain Kane Williamson’s availability for the crucial ICC World Cup 2023 clash against Pakistan on Saturday will be taken after the fitness test today during the training session in Bengaluru.

Following a prolonged absence from international cricket due to a knee injury, Williamson made a promising comeback during a match against Bangladesh on October 13.

Leading his team to an impressive eight-wicket victory while scoring a remarkable 78 runs, his comeback was marred by a regrettable incident. During a quick single run, he was struck by a throw from the field directly onto his left glove, resulting in immediate pain and swelling.

Despite initial efforts to continue playing, the severity of the pain compelled him to retire hurt. Subsequent medical examinations revealed an undisplaced fracture in his left thumb, ruling him out of action until the later stages of the World Cup's group stage. In his absence, Tom Blundell was named as his replacement.

According to New Zealand Cricket, other injured players, including pacer Lockie Ferguson, all-rounder James Neesham and batter Mark Chapman, will also have to pass fitness tests before the Pakistan match.

Earlier today, pacer Matt Henry was ruled out of the ICC Cricket World Cup in India with a torn right hamstring and has been replaced in the New Zealand squad by Kyle Jamieson, confirmed different statements by ICC and NZC.

A statement from NZC confirmed that Henry sustained the injury during Wednesday’s match against South Africa in Pune, with an MRI scan confirming he has a grade two lower tear, which will require two to four weeks to recover from.

"Jamieson, who has played 13 ODIs for the Blackcaps, was approved by the Event Technical Committee after Henry was ruled out due to a right hamstring injury sustained during Wednesday's loss to South Africa in Pune," the ICC said.

New Zealand coach Gary Stead said the whole team was thinking of Henry.

“We’re gutted for him,” Stead said in Bengaluru.

“Matt’s been a crucial part of our One Day side for a long time, and to see him ruled out as we reach the business end of this tournament is immensely disappointing.”

The NZC statement added that Jamieson arrived in Bengaluru late on Thursday and was expected to train with the team on Friday.

Stead said Jamieson was ready to go for Saturday’s game against Pakistan if required.

“We’re fortunate to have a player of the class of Kyle waiting in the wings,” he said.

“His skills and physical attributes always make him a threat with the ball, and it’s an added bonus he was able to train with us in the first two weeks of the tournament," he added.

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