Cricket News

Kane Williamson and two others, fit for first Test against South Africa as injury cloud lifts from New Zealand

A cloud of injury concerns initially hovered over the New Zealand team before their upcoming Test against South Africa, with key players like former captain Kane Williamson sidelined. However, in a positive turn of events, Williamson himself has confirmed his fitness for the first Test, having successfully recovered from a hamstring injury sustained during the recent T20I series against Pakistan. This news arrives as a significant boost for both the team and his fans, offering much-needed stability and experience to the New Zealand lineup.

“My hamstring is good, it’s progressed well in the last couple of weeks. Feeling good, and looking forward to getting back to training and joining up with the team. The weather has been incredible. Extremely hot, so yup I am confident and like I said will just be nice to join back up with the side and I think all the guys are really looking forward to getting back together as a Test team,” he said.

Speaking on the fitness levels of Kyle Jamieson and Tom Blundell, who have both dealt with significant injuries in recent times, Williamson reckoned that they have progressed well and that they are likely to be ready for the upcoming challenge.

“I just saw them in the lunch room and they looked comfortable eating well and I think they are fine. Obviously these injuries, they can vary a lot from individual to individual and Tom with his hamstring took a little bit longer having tendon involved. I think he is good, rearing to go and Kyle bowled a spell a few days ago and I think got through nicely. I think everyone is fit and well,” the 33-year-old said.

“We are under no illusions”

Addressing concerns about underestimating South Africa‘s second-string team, Kane Williamson expressed that New Zealand remains focused on playing their best cricket, regardless of the opposition’s composition. He acknowledged the different teams South Africa will be fielding but emphasized that New Zealand’s approach stays consistent which is playing good cricket.

“We are under no illusions that it is going to be a tough contest for sure. They are all very good players and we just want to keep bringing the focus back to our cricket,” he added.