Kane Williamson scores a half-century against Pakistan in New Zealand's first warm-up match of the ICC World Cup post-knee injury. Seeing Williamson nearing full fitness on the ground, must have strengthened NZ's confidence for the upcoming World Cup.
He mentioned knee icing post-match would be helpful for his recovery. “The knee a little bit of icing afterwards but it’s all part of the process. Yeah, it wasn’t a reality certainly five months ago and been quite fortunate with some of that recovery and to be named in the squad is really exciting for me and just really looking forward to getting out there again. It was nice to do that today,” he added.
Due to his recent surgery, New Zealand captain Kane Williamson will not be available for New Zealand’s first game of the ICC World Cup 2023, which will be played against England. “Just great to get through some batting out in the middle and be part of a match, which was really nice and it (knee) held up pretty well,” Williamson was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.
Kane had to undergo surgery after rupturing an anterior cruciate ligament during the IPL earlier this year. Coach Gary Stead said the priority was ensuring Williamson had time to progress his return to match fitness. “Right from the start, we’ve taken a long-term view on Kane’s return to play,” said Coach Gary Stead.
“It was largely pretty good, which was pleasing. Nice to sort of build on that. It was a fantastic hit-out obviously. Pakistan are an outstanding side. I mean both teams were trying to get what they wanted out of it, in terms of bowlers getting overs they needed and time in the legs. So, it’s an exercise, but also nice to compete and do all those things,” Williamson said.
Senior pacer Tim Southee, who is recovering from surgery on his fractured thumb, will depart for India on Saturday. He is expected to be available for the World Cup opener against defending champions England.
“As a bowling unit and batting unit, plenty to take away from it. There are always things to work on and it was a great batting performance today. It was a really good surface and it’s nice that we were able to put together partnerships and get time in the middle,” he added.
First Published: Sept 30, 2023 7:34 PM IST
Check out our in-depth Market Coverage, Business News & get real-time Stock Market Updates on CNBC-TV18. Also, Watch our channels CNBC-TV18, CNBC Awaaz and CNBC Bajar Live on-the-go!
Mark Mobius reveals how markets will react if NDA wins 400+ Lok Sabha seats
May 15, 2024 8:09 PM
Wine shops and bars to remain shut for 4 days in Mumbai in 4 weeks, check details
May 15, 2024 7:52 PM
INDIA bloc will win majority seats in Bihar, says Tejashwi Yadav
May 15, 2024 4:20 PM