Disappointing not to have Kane Williamson in first Test, opportunity for Will Young to do well: Tom Latham

New Zealand captain Tom Latham has confirmed that Kane Williamson will miss the first Test against India, which begins on Wednesday, October 16, at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. Williamson has been struggling with a groin injury and hasn't recovered fully from it as yet.

Latham was recently appointed as the skipper of New Zealand's red-ball team after Tim Southee relinquished the role following the disastrous series whitewash against Sri Lanka. The southpaw announced that Will Young, 31, will be playing the first Test against India in place of Williamson. While Latham acknowledged that Williamson's absence is disappointing, he hoped that Young will be able to make the most of his opportunity.

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"Its disappointing not to have Kane (Williamson) over here. Will Young will play tomorrow. He has been part of the squad for a long time. He has batted from opening to playing at number 3-4. It's an opportunity to put his hands up, he has performed well in the past," Latham was quoted as saying by India Today.

It's a huge exciting privilege for me to be in this position: Tom Latham

Latham has taken charge of the Blackcaps at a difficult juncture. The morale in the team must be low after the dispiriting result in Sri Lanka and the challenge intensifies against an in-form Indian side. However, the opening batter is looking forward to the three-match series.

Latham has led New Zealand in the past in an interim capacity when the regular captains have missed out due to injuries or other reasons. He asserted that the added responsibility is not new for him and he will try to give his best performance for the team.

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"It's a huge exciting privilege for me to be in this position, if I am a captain or not a captain, I always try to perform my best for the team and that is certainly not going to be different being captain. Yes there is a more responsibility, but I have been in this situation before and have captained here before and back at home as well so I am excited to get into things and looking forward to it. " Latham mentioned.