Kane Williamson set to miss New Zealand matches to attend birth of first child

The Kiwi skipper's partner is due later this month when Pakistan are the opponents in three T20s and two Tests

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New Zealand will not stand in the way of captain Kane Williamson should he take a period of paternity leave to attend the birth of his first child.

The Kiwi skipper's partner Sarah is due at the end of December.

Following the conclusion of the West Indies Test series, Pakistan are the opponents around the festive period. Babar Azam's side are scheduled to play three T20s and two Tests in December and January.

Coach Gary Stead has urged Williamson, who struck a career-best 251 not out in the first Test win over West Indies, not to miss the birth.

"Worst case scenario, Kane misses some matches," said Stead, who added that Will Young will deputise in the skipper's absence.

"As a dad, as a parent, you only get that opportunity once in your life to be there for your (first) child's birth and I know that it's important for Kane too.

"At the end of the day, we play cricket, and other things are much more important. And that is much more important."

The concluding match of West Indies' tour starts on Wednesday (December 10) in Wellington.

Pakistan then face The Black Caps in three T20s on December 18, 20 and 22 in Auckland, Hamilton and Napier.

Attention then turns back to the Test format, with matches on December 26-30 and January 2-7 scheduled in Mount Maunganui and Christchurch.

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