Kane Williamson has two weeks in hand to prove fitness for World Cup 2023
Kane Williamson sustained an ACL injury in the 16th edition of the IPL and has been sidelined ever since.
Veteran New Zealand batter Kane Williamson is in a race against time as he is currently recovering from an ACL injury that he sustained in the 16th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), Williamson injured himself quite early in the tournament in April 2023, and has been out of contention for selection ever since.
When he sustained the injury, the chances of him getting fit in time for the upcoming World Cup were considered very slim. However, the 33-year-old has made great strides and has been recovering well. To the point where he could make it to the Black Caps’ World Cup squad.
It is worth noting that the 15-man squads that the teams will submit to the ICC (International Cricket Council) by September 5 can be changed without approval up to September 28. If Williamson is able to recover from his injury in time, it is likely that he will be selected in the squad that will travel to India for the tournament.
Going to give him every chance: Gary Stead
Speaking of Williamson’s chances, New Zealand head coach Gary Stead took centre stage and opined that the side is giving him every chance to make it to the World Cup squad.
"[We've] got about two weeks from now until we name that side, and we're going to give him every chance and use that full amount of time. He's in full rehab mode; he's back batting in the nets again, which is great to see. He's progressing really well, but again, there's a lot of work for him to do to make sure he gets to where we need him to be," Gary Stead was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.
Furthermore, Stead also stated that Williamson could be included in the World Cup squad but not be available for the initial stage of the tournament, but he could get ready in time as well.
"They are all the things we are weighing up right now," Stead said. "There's a chance that even if Kane was named, he wouldn't be available right at the start of the tournament. But he also might be, and he also might not be ready," Stead said.
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