Gary Stead, the head coach of New Zealand has enlightened the chance of Kane Williamson‘s taking part in the upcoming tournament ODI World Cup 2023. Despite a lengthy absence due to a knee injury, the camp of New Zealand stays optimistic that the skipper will return for the tournament in India. Stead said that Williamson will have a two-week to prove his fitness and condition.
Williamson has been out of cricket for almost five months after upholding a knee injury during the beginning contest of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023, where he played for the Gujarat Titans (GT). Undergoing surgery for a ruptured ACL, Williamson has continuously performed towards healing and just returned to workouts. He spent a period with his team in preparation for the tour of England.
Attending the New Zealand squad to the UK, Williamson’s existence has been a source of motivation. In the coming series against England, New Zealand engaged in two training T20 matches against county teams.
Coach Stead highlighted that Williamson’s possible return to net practice was a good indication, but there was still significant work ahead to ensure he got the needed level of fitness for the global match.
He said that we have two weeks from now until we announce our squad and we’ll provide them with every possibility and I think use that time he’s in full rehab mode.
While New Zealand stays optimistic about including their captain back on the field, Stead admitted the chance that Williamson might not be prepared for the beginning matches of the World Cup campaign, even if he’s considered fit and included in the ODI World Cup squad.
