Williamson’s injury is a major blow for the Black Caps considering his experience in India and New Zealand’s struggles for runs in Sri Lanka. He experienced groin discomfort during the second Test in Galle and requires an extended period of rehabilitation at home before flying to India.
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Black Caps selector Sam Wells was hopeful Williamson could play a part later in the series but confirmed he would miss the first Test.
“The advice we’ve received is that the best course of action is for Kane to rest and rehabilitate now rather than risk aggravating the injury,” Wells said.
“We’re hopeful that if the rehabilitation goes to plan Kane will be available for the latter part of the tour.
“While it’s obviously disappointing to not have Kane available from the start of the tour, it provides an opportunity for someone else to play a role in an important series.”
Williamson’s injury opens the door for Chapman to possibly make his Test debut having played 78 white-ball matches for the Black Caps without gaining a Test cap.
He only played three Plunket Shield matches for Auckland last summer in February and March but posted scores 123 against Otago and 83 off 68 in his final innings against Central Districts, both of which came at No.3.
New Zealand squad: Tom Latham (c), Tom Blundell (wk), Michael Bracewell (1st Test only), Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Ajaz Patel, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Ben Sears, Ish Sodhi (2nd and 3rd Test only), Tim Southee, Kane Williamson, Will Young
Alex Malcolm is an associate editor at ESPNcricinfo
Source: ESPN Crickinfo