New Zealand are set to play a 2-match Test series against South Africa in February. The Kiwis have a major injury concern in their side with senior batter Kane Williamson still recovering from a hamstring injury. On Monday, 22 January, NZ head coach Gary Stead, however, stressed that he expected Williamson to regain full fitness ahead of the first Test match that starts on 4 February.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Speaking to the media, Stead said that Williamson had a minor issue with his hamstring and was pulled out of the last 3 T20Is against Pakistan as a precaution.
“I’m confident he will be alright,” Stead said.
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“He’s probably got another day or two before he starts back into training and it was a minor niggle, which is a good thing. So, we didn’t want to aggravate it and didn’t see the point of aggravating it with the important series that are ahead. He’s obviously a key player and we know that and we want to make sure we’ve given him every chance of being available,” the coach further added.
Kane Williamson has been in superb form in the Test format and recently scored his 29th Test hundred, equalling Virat Kohli. Williamson will be crucial for the Kiwis in the home Test series against South Africa. New Zealand are currently placed in the fourth spot in the World Test Championship points table after playing 2 Test matches in Bangladesh.
The 2021 champions will hope to regain their touch after badly bottling the 2021-2023 season, where Australia were named champions.
The series is already under scanner after South Africa named a weakened 14-member squad. South Africa named 7 uncapped players in their side which included Neil Brand as their captain. Brand has not played a Test match yet in his career.
South Africa Squad for NZ Test Series
Neil Brand (C), David Bedingham, Ruan de Swardt, Clyde Fortuin, Zubayr Hamza, Tshepo Moreki, Mihlali Mpongwana, Duanne Olivier, Dane Paterson, Kegan Petersen, Dane Piedt, Raynard van Tonder, Shaun von Berg, Khaya Zondo.
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