New Zealand suffered from a problem ahead of the ODI series against India, as the star man and skipper Kane Williamson was ruled out due to a shoulder injury in the series-opening two matches. The wicketkeeper-batsman Tom Latham will lead New Zealand in the absence of Willamson. As the replacement of Williamson Mark Chapman called up to the squad.
In the third T20I against India, Williamson had a shoulder injury in the just-concluded series, even though nothing serious revealed with x-rays. For a watchful approach, the team management has opted to follow as well with a Test series. However, about the return of their skipper, New Zealand is hopeful that in the final ODI he lead the side in Mount Maunganui on February 11.
“There is an X-ray scan with Kane according which he cleared of anything serious but for his recovery, it’s best for him that for good of the joint he must avoid game for the next few days,” Vijay Vallabh, The physio of Team said. “Throughout the week his fitness training sessions will continue and on Friday he will start batting again for the game with the prospect of being available.”
Mark Chapman As A Replacement Of Williamson
To make a comeback into the national side, the injury provides Mark Chapman an opportunity. Almost two years ago the 22-year-old have last played an ODI. On a fine run of form, the Chapman comes in against India A and recently he had scored centuries in the first four-day game and the third unofficial ODI. At No. 6 both those hundreds take place, in down the order the reliable option will be provided to New Zealand.
“It is great to welcome Mark back into the one-day unit for New Zealand A against a strong India A side, off the back of consecutive centuries, Selector Gavin Larsen said. “Mark is a versatile player who can cover multiple batting positions and a great upshot to have in the squad is his fielding.”
The first ODI is scheduled to be played in Hamilton on February 5, and the test series starts on February 21. In the T20I leg of the tour, India whitewashed New Zealand 5-0.
