Will decide on Williamson going to India only after medical advice: Stead

Christchurch (IANS). New Zealand head coach Gary Stead has given a major update on Kane Williamson’s fitness and recovery and said that he will take a call on Kane Williamson’s departure for the World Cup in India only after medical advice.

Williamson got injured while playing for Gujarat Titans against Chennai Super Kings in Ahmedabad on 31 March in the 16th season of IPL. Since then, New Zealand captain Kane Williamson has not played any cricket. He underwent surgery in April and has recently started training and batting in the nets.

Williamson has not been named in New Zealand’s 15-man squad for the four-match ODI series in England starting September 8. But he will travel to England and train with the team while continuing his rehab.

There is still time for the World Cup, at the moment he is working hard on his fitness.

“We will do everything possible to ensure that we get the necessary medical advice before we decide whether he will travel to India for the World Cup or not. It is too early to make any decisions,” Stead said.

The coach added: “Kane has been working a lot on his fitness process and we have been really clear with him and careful not to look too far ahead, because it is not easy to recover quickly from an ACL injury.

Williamson is currently in a race to recover in time for the World Cup, which begins on October 5.

Asked whether Williamson would be picked for the later stages of the World Cup if he recovers in time for the knockouts, Stead said it was under consideration but unlikely.

Williamson was the top run-scorer for his team in the 2019 Men’s ODI World Cup with 578 runs at an average of 82.57, including two centuries and as many fifties. He was also adjudged Player of the Tournament. However, the Kiwi team had to face defeat in the super over of a thrilling final match.