Kane Williamson will return for England series: New Zealand coach Gary Stead

New Zealand head coach Gary Stead has expressed strong confidence that Kane Williamson will be fit to return for the first Test of New Zealand’s home summer against England, scheduled from November 28 to December 2 at Hagley Oval in Christchurch.

The New Zealand management opted not to risk Williamson for the upcoming Test in Mumbai, set to start on Friday, choosing instead to take a cautious approach with his recovery. Williamson, 34, sustained a groin injury during New Zealand’s recent tour of Sri Lanka, just before the opening of the three-match Test series in India.

“Yeah, very confident,” Stead said of Williamson’s availability for the first Test against England. “I mean at a push we could have got him over here [in India] immediately, but considering I guess the travel factor and making sure that you can actually recover properly when you get here, we didn’t feel though that was worth the risk. So we’re happy with having him ready and very, very confident he’ll be right for that first Test versus England.”

Despite Williamson’s absence throughout the India series, New Zealand achieved a historic milestone by securing their first-ever Test series win in the country. Will Young, stepping in at No. 3, impressed with his resilience against Indian bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah and R Ashwin, adapting well to the challenging conditions in Bengaluru and Pune.

Stead said that he was hoping Williamson would use the time off to get himself ready foir the England series.

“Look, it’s always disappointing when he’s not over here with us,” Stead said of Williamson. “I mean, he’s New Zealand’s greatest Test run-scorer for a reason, and I think whenever you have Kane in your side, it looks a stronger side. But the guys have gone really well.

“We’ve adapted well without him here. The best thing for Kane is just to get himself completely right for England and we’re certainly looking forward to him coming back and hopefully making a difference in that Test series over there for us.”

New Zealand retain an outside chance of making it to the World Test Championship Final but need to win all their remaining 4 matches.