IND vs NZ 2024: Tom Latham keeping 'fingers crossed' on Kane Williamson’s injury

Kane Williamson has been ruled out of the second Test against India in Pune due to a groin injury. He missed the opening game in Bengaluru as well and there are doubts if he will be fit for the third Test at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Captain Tom Latham has confirmed that he is recovering well but there is no timeline of his return yet.

The 32-year-old explained that Williamson’s progress is being monitored on a daily basis and that he id working closely with the medical team. He also added that a call about his availability in the third Test will be taken after the Pune game.

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“It's a day-by-day thing with Kane, fingers crossed that he will be up and ready. He’s obviously working closely with the medical team back home...It's just a bit of a waiting game. Hopefully, we'll find out a little bit more after the Test,” Latham was quoted as saying by India Today.

Despite Williamson’s absence, New Zealand picked up a comfortable eight-wicket win in the first Test in Bengaluru. The bowling unit stepped up in the first innings, bundling the Rohit Sharma-led side for just 46 runs. However, the surface in Pune is set to favour the spinners and that is one reason why the visitors might feel the absence of Williamson.

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The 34-year-old has played eight Test matches in India, scoring 503 runs at an average of 33.53. His experience would have been extremely valuable in Pune as Willaimson is known for playing spin efficiently.

Meanwhile, New Zealand are expected to play an additional spinner in Pune. Mitchell Santner, who did not feature in the first Test, may make his return to the playing XI. The Kiwis are already stacked with multiple spin options in the form of Ajaz Patel, Glenn Phillips and Rachin Ravindra but they won’t be shy of dropping one pacer for another spinner.