Tag: MarkChapman

New Zealand’s Test series opener against India in Bengaluru has been dealt a significant blow with the absence of their star batsman Kane Williamson. The 34-year-old is still recovering from a groin strain sustained during the second Test against Sri Lanka in Galle.

Williamson’s absence is a major setback for the Kiwis, who are looking to make a strong start to their India tour. The experienced campaigner has been in excellent form this year, amassing 618 runs in 12 innings, including three centuries and two half-centuries. His leadership and experience will be sorely missed in the opening game.

Williamson’s record in India is not particularly impressive, with an average of 33.53 in 15 innings. However, his absence as a leader will be keenly felt by the Black Caps. Tom Latham has taken over as captain, but he will be without the guidance of Williamson, who has a wealth of experience playing in India.

Williamson made his Test debut against India in Ahmedabad in 2010, scoring a century against a formidable attack featuring Zaheer Khan and Harbhajan Singh. His absence presents an opportunity for Mark Chapman to potentially make his Test debut. Chapman has played 78 white-ball matches for New Zealand and has enjoyed success while touring India with the New Zealand A side.

The mouth-watering series gets underway in Bengaluru, with the second Test in Pune and the final Test in Mumbai. India will be keen to win their home series against New Zealand to strengthen their position in the World Test Championship (WTC) before their tour of Australia for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

New Zealand, on the other hand, are yet to win a Test series in India and will be determined to put up a strong showing against Rohit Sharma and Co.

Kane Williamson’s absence from the opening Test against India in Bengaluru has dealt a significant blow to New Zealand’s hopes. The skipper’s groin strain, sustained during the Sri Lanka series, has delayed his departure from New Zealand.

In Williamson’s stead, Tom Latham will lead the Black Caps, who have added Mark Chapman to their squad for the three-Test tour. Chapman, a left-handed batter, has played 78 white-ball matches for New Zealand but is yet to make his Test debut.

The rest of the squad remains unchanged from the disappointing Sri Lanka tour, with Michael Bracewell available only for the first Test before departing for the birth of his second child. Ish Sodhi will join the squad as Bracewell’s replacement for the second and third Tests.

Williamson’s injury is a major setback for New Zealand, given his experience in India and the team’s struggles for runs in Sri Lanka. The Black Caps selector, Sam Wells, expressed hope that Williamson could play a part later in the series but confirmed his absence from the first Test.

“The advice we’ve received is that the best course of action is for Kane to rest and rehabilitate now rather than risk aggravating the injury,” Wells said. “We’re hopeful that if the rehabilitation goes to plan, Kane will be available for the latter part of the tour.”

While Williamson’s absence is a disappointment, it presents an opportunity for someone else to step up in an important series. Chapman, who has scored a century against India A in 2020, could make his Test debut.

Former Sri Lanka spinner Rangana Herath will also travel to India with the Black Caps as part of the coaching staff, continuing his role as a spin-bowling coach.