Kane Williamson (file photo)
Captain Kane Williamson has been ruled out of New Zealand’s two-Test home series against South Africa due to an elbow injury. Williamson did not even play in the Test series against Bangladesh. He played the last Test against India in November 2021.
With the retirement of veteran Ross Taylor, there has been a sudden drop in New Zealand’s batting lineup and bowling all-rounder Daryl Mitchell is likely to bat at No.
Coach Gary Stead has included batsman Hamish Rutherford and multi-talented Colin de Grandhomme in the 15-man squad that also includes goalkeeper Cam Fletcher and pacemaker Blair Tickner. Rutherford last played a test game in 2015. At the same time, fast pitcher Trent Boult will not be part of the first test due to the birth of his third child.
Significantly, the first Test against South will start on February 17 and both Test matches will be played at Hagley Park in Christchurch to reduce the risk of COVID-19. New Zealand have never been able to beat South Africa in a test series.
New Zealand squad for the first test against South Africa: Tom Latham (C), Tom Blundell (WK), Devon Conway, Colin de Grandhomme, Cam Fletcher, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Rachin Ravindra, Hamish Rutherford, Tim Southee, Blair Tickner, Neil Wagner, Will Young.