8 Oct 2023

Williamson to miss second Cricket World Cup match

6:25 pm on 8 October 2023
Coach Gary Stead of New Zealand talks with captain Kane Williamson.

Photo: PHOTOSPORT

Captain Kane Williamson has been ruled out of New Zealand's second game at the Cricket World Cup as he continues his recuperation from a knee injury.

Coach Gary Stead confirmed Williamson won't face the Netherlands in Hyderabad on Monday, saying he needed more "trust in his body", after rupturing knee ligaments during an IPL match in April.

The 33-year-old missed the thumping nine-wicket opening win over England after taking part in two warm up games in which he batted solidly in two innings and made a graduated return to fielding.

"Kane's been progressing very well - I think the fielding is still the element for him that he's just got to get a little bit higher and get a little more trust in his body," said Stead, who hoped Williamson would be available for their third game on Friday against Bangladesh.

Pace pair Tim Southee (thumb fracture) and Lockie Ferguson (back strain) also missed the opening game in Ahmedabad and remain a chance of facing the Dutch, Stead said.

- RNZ