New Zealand captain Kane Williamson to miss World Cup opener against England

The 2019 runners-up are being cautious around the fitness of their skipper, who is recovering from a knee injury which has kept him sidelined for much of the year

Nick Howson | 30/09/2023 at 14:30

Kane Williamson will miss the start of New Zealand men's World Cup campaign against England as he continues to recover from a long-term knee injury.

The 33-year-old suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in the Indian Premier League in March and was considered a major doubt for the tournament.

He was named in the 15-strong squad and played as an outright batter in the warm-up match against Pakistan on Friday (September 29), scoring 54 off 50 balls before retiring out.

But the Black Caps confirmed before the game that Williamson, who has played 161 one-day internationals, will be held back when the World Cup gets underway on October 5 in Ahmedabad.

"Right from the start we've taken a long-term view on Kane’s return to play," said head coach Gary Stead.

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Williamson looked in good touch on his way to a punchy half-century (NOAH SEELAM/AFP via Getty Images)

"His recovery is tracking well and it’s now a matter of making sure he can cope with the rigours and intensity of international cricket.

"We'll continue to take a day-by-day approach to Kane's rehabilitation and certainly won’t be putting any pressure on him to return before he is ready."

Tom Latham will continue to lead New Zealand when they face England on Thursday in a re-run of the dramatic final from four years ago.

Williamson will ramp up his recovery by batting and fielding in the second tune-up match against South Africa on Monday (October 2).

New Zealand began their final preparations for the World Cup by beating Pakistan in Hyderabad. Rachin Ravindra led the way in the chase of 346, hitting 97 from 72 deliveries to secure a five-wicket triumph.