ODI World Cup 2023: New Zealand coach Gary Stead drops massive update on Kane Williamson’s availability for their match against Bangladesh
Kane Williamson (Source: Twitter)
After two back-to-back victories in the ongoing ODI World Cup 2023, New Zealand is set to face Bangladesh on Friday. Ahead of the game, Kiwi head coach Gary Stead dropped the latest update on injuries. He revealed that pacer Tim Southee and skipper Kane Williamson are likely to make a comeback in playing XI.
Stead revealed that both Williamson and Southee are looking good and might play in the remaining tournament. It comes as a relief for New Zealand, as they have missed their skipper for the last four months. Williamson, who had a thigh injury during the Indian Premier League in 2023, will now play a competitive game after five long months.
While speaking with Kiwi media forum Stead said, “At this stage, all things are looking good for Kane’s return in this game, but we still say that with an air of caution. He’s been progressing very well. It’s not about his injury so much; it’s his ability to run between the wickets and field and to consistently do that over a 50-over game.”
“It’s not about injury so much”, says Gary Stead
Further speaking about Kane Williamson’s training schedule, Stead revealed that team management is working on his strength, not his injury. He said, “He’s been progressing very well. He’s had a great last five or six days, really going about the fielding aspect of things. That’s the key thing for Kane at the moment. It’s not about his injury so much now; it’s about his ability to run between the wickets and to field and to consistently do that over a 50-over game. We’re delighted with where he’s at.”
“We’ve got two more trainings to get through, but at this stage, all things are looking good for Kane to return to this game. But we still say that with an air of caution, but we’re really pleased with the way he has been coming on”, Stead further added. It’s worth noting that Williamson was Player of the Tournament in the last edition of the World Cup, where he led his team to the finals and lost the cup by Milimeters.
