Kane Williamson OUT, No Trent Boult, New Captain To Lead! New Zealand's Likely XI For 1st Test vs India (Source: AP)
In what comes a big blow to New Zealand, Kane Williamson will miss the first Test against India. Williamson suffered a groin injury in the second Test against Sri Lanka in Galle. New Zealand named Mark Chapman as a cover for the star batter. New Zealand's recent performance in the sub-continent has not been great and the India tour will be a tough assignment without a doubt. Williamson will be a massive miss for the Kiwis. New Zealand selector Sam Wells, however, is optimistic that Williamson will be available in the latter part of the series.
"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. We're hopeful that if the rehabilitation goes to plan Kane will be available for the latter part of the tour," he said as quoted by Cricinfo.
New Zealand have named a spin-heavy attack for the Test series. Ish Sodhi, Ajaz Patel, and Mitchell Santner will be three key players in the side, while Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips and Michael Bracewell can also chip in with a few overs if required. Ish Shodhi won't be available for the first Test so New Zealand would go in with Santner and Ajaz Patel in the first Test. Tim Southee and Matt Henry should be the two pacers, with Daryl Mitchell playing as an all-rounder.
Tom Latham and Devon Conway should open the innings while Rachin Ravindra could be promoted to three in the absence of Kane Williamson. Mark Chapman should take the fourth position in the batting order, with Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell, and Glenn Phillips to follow.
Meanwhile, Tom Latham will lead New Zealand for the first time as full time captain as Tim Southee stepped down following a 2-0 drubbing against Sri Lanka.
New Zealand's Likely XI For 1st Test vs India: Tom Latham (C), Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell (wk), Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Ajaz Patel, Matt Henry
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