New Zealand's Kane Williamson will be absent from Twenty20 series against England

Cricket player Kane Williamson

Kane Williamson last played for London Spirit in The Hundred this summer

New Zealand batter Kane Williamson will miss the upcoming T20 series against the English side but captain Mitchell Santner has returned after recovering to lead the Black Caps

The experienced batsman, who has not played international cricket after the Champions Trophy final defeat by the Indian team earlier this year, is expected to return during the three one-day internationals versus the English squad that follow

Squad Changes

The captain has recovered from abdominal surgery, whereas all-rounder Rachin Ravindra returns to the squad after a facial injury prevented his participation in the recent T20 series defeat by the Australian team

This three-game Twenty20 series featuring New Zealand and England commences at the Christchurch venue this coming Saturday, October 18th

Player Availability

Williamson decided against playing in the recent Twenty20 matches versus Australia under the terms of his casual contract for New Zealand Cricket, and additionally he's returning to full fitness following a health concern, according to coach Rob Walter

The versatile player the skipper experienced an injury to his groin while representing Northern Superchargers in The Hundred and has not played since that time

Pace bowler the young quick will be unavailable for the England Twenty20 matches due to a hamstring tear, whereas all-rounder Jimmy Neesham has been included

Series Schedule

Following the first two Twenty20 matches in Christchurch on 18 and 20 October, the series finishes at Eden Park next Wednesday

Squad Lists

Black Caps Twenty20 team: Mitchell Santner (c), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Matt Henry, Jacobs, Jamieson, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Ravindra, Robinson, Tim Seifert (wk)

English T20 squad: Harry Brook (c), Ahmed, Baker, Tom Banton, Jacob Bethell, Jos Buttler (wk), Carse, Jordan Cox, Zak Crawley, Sam Curran, Liam Dawson, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Salt, Wood

Sharon Moore
Sharon Moore

A passionate writer and urban enthusiast with a keen eye for city trends and cultural shifts.