NZ Captain Williamson out of second Test

New Zealand Captain Kane Williamson will miss the second and final Test against England at Edgbaston to rest his troublesome left elbow.

The 30-year-old missed the Black Caps’ one-day series against Bangladesh in March with the same issue. Opening batsman Tom Latham will captain the tourists in Williamson’s absence.

Will Young will come into the side to bat at number three, with pace bowler Trent Boult also expected to return for the game, which starts today.

New Zealand are confident that Williamson, the world’s number-one rated Test batsman, will be fit to play in the World Test Championship Final.

“It’s not an easy decision for Kane to have to miss a Test but we think it’s the right one,” New Zealand Coach Gary Stead said yesterday. “He’s had an injection in his elbow to relieve the irritation he’s been experiencing when he bats and a period of rest and rehabilitation will help maximise his recovery.”

(BBC)