New Zealand confident Kane Williamson will return for third group match

Gary Stead confirmed the skipper wouldn't be unavailable for his side's clash with Netherlands on October 9 but expects both Tim Southee and Lockie Ferguson to be available for selection after missing the tournament opener

New Zealand captain Kane Williamson will miss his side's clash with Netherlands on October 9 but is in line to return for their third group match against Bangladesh (October 13).

The 33-year-old ruptured the ACL in his right knee during the opening match of the IPL in March.

Despite concerns he would miss the World Cup, Williamson returned to action in warm-up games ahead of the tournament, hitting knocks of 54 and 37 against Pakistan and South Africa, respectively.

Tom Latham will continue to captain New Zealand in his absence.

^{Williamson featured in both warm-up matches [Surjeet Yadav/Getty Images]}

^{Tim Southee is expected to be available to face Netherlands after fracturing his thumb in September [Gareth Copley/Getty Images]}

Head coach, Gary Stead, said: "Kane has also been progressing very well. The fielding is still the element for him that he's got to get a little bit higher in and get a bit more trust in his body but he's progressing really well, and we are pretty confident that he will be playing the third match for us."

Stead also provided updates on Tim Southee and Lockie Ferguson, backing both players to be available for selection against Netherlands.

Southee fractured his right thumb in September's tour of England, while Ferguson missed the World Cup opener against England with a niggle.

Stead said: "Tim got through training really well. It was great to see him back at the bowling crease and also doing a little bit of fielding. He will just get a final x-ray done this morning and then we will make a call after that but it's all looking good for selection from now on."

Despite missing three key players, New Zealand made light work of England in their tournament opener, cruising to a nine-wicket win.