Days ahead of the ICC World Cup 2019, New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson has suffered a grade one tear to his left pectoral minor muscle. Williamson had to head to a hospital after suffering the injury during the just-concluded second Test against Bangladesh. He had injured his left shoulder while diving in the field during Bangladesh’s first innings. He, however, came out to bat but twice had to call out the physio and didn’t look comfortable playing some shots.
He scored 74 before heading to hospital for some precautionary scans. An MRI scan on Tuesday morning has now confirmed the extent of injury. And while it is still not sure whether the injury would jeopardise his participation in the upcoming Indian Premier League and the World Cup, he is a big doubt for the third Test against Bangladesh.
Head coach Gary Stead said Williamson will travel with the team to Christchurch where he’ll be further assessed ahead of the game. Stead also gave an update on BJ Watling who hurt his hamstring while warming up on the fifth morning.
“Kane [Williamson] is obviously keen to play this final game, but we’ll look to take a safety-first approach, particularly with the World Cup on the horizon,” Stead said. “BJ [Watling] has a minor left hamstring strain and we felt it was best he didn’t keep today to give him the best chance of being fit for the third Test.”
New Zealand are yet to announce a replacement for Williamson and will do so at the conclusion of the latest round of the Plunket Shield. But Stead hinted Will Young can make his debut.
“Will [Young] has been in our Test squad as batting cover for the past two series and he should be confident following some strong performances domestically and for New Zealand A,” Stead said.
New Zealand, nonetheless, can afford to give Williamson some rest keeping in mind the busy schedule ahead. Moreover, they have already won the ongoing series after beating Bangladesh by an innings and 12 runs in the second Test to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.
Meanwhile, IPL franchise Sunrisers Hyderabad will be desperately hoping that the injury is not serious. Williamson was their standout performer last season both as a batsman and a captain. He finished the tournament as the top run-scorer and led the side to the final.