New Zealand will continue to miss their star batter Kane Williamson during the second Test of their ongoing series against India. The match is set to begin on Thursday, October 24, at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune. Williamson, who was absent in the first Test due to a groin injury sustained in New Zealand’s prior series against Sri Lanka, will remain sidelined as he has yet to fully recover.
In Williamson’s absence, Will Young filled in during the first Test in Bengaluru and delivered a solid performance, scoring 33 and 48* across the two innings. His contribution helped New Zealand secure an eight-wicket victory, marking the Blackcaps’ first Test win on Indian soil in 36 years.
On Tuesday, October 22, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) confirmed that Williamson’s recovery is progressing but not yet complete. He will continue his rehabilitation in New Zealand. Head coach Gary Stead expressed optimism about Williamson’s availability for the third Test but emphasized the need to be cautious.
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“We’re monitoring Kane and he’s tracking in the right direction, but isn’t yet 100% fit. We’re hopeful to see further improvement over the coming days and have him available for the third Test,” Gary Stead stated. “We’ll give him as much time as possible to get himself ready.”
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New Zealand now have a golden opportunity to achieve a rare feat—beating India in India. England was the last team to do so, back in 2012 under Alastair Cook’s leadership. A win in Pune would give New Zealand an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series, which would be a historic accomplishment.
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India will be determined to bounce back after their crushing defeat in Bengaluru. Poor batting in the first innings saw India skittled for just 46 runs, their lowest total in Test matches played in Asia. New Zealand’s Matt Henry was exceptional with the ball, claiming five wickets and Rachin Ravindra’s blistering century propelled the Blackcaps to a commanding 356-run lead.
Despite a stronger showing in the second innings, where Sarfaraz Khan scored a crucial 150 and Rishabh Pant contributed 99, India could not prevent New Zealand from comfortably chasing a modest 107-run target in the fourth innings.
