Kane Williamson has been officially ruled out of the third and final Test against India, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) announced on Tuesday, 29 October. Williamson injured his groin while playing a two-match series against Sri Lanka, thus missing the first two Tests against India.

IND Vs NZ: Kane Williamson Ruled Out Of 3rd Test

With the third Test to be played on November 1 at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, Williamson would not accompany the New Zealand team. This has been done for giving him enough time to recover properly and he will be fit enough for the three-match Test series against England, which will begin on November 28 at home.

Squad News | Kane Williamson will not travel to India for the third Test in Mumbai to ensure he his fit for the upcoming three-Test series against England 🏏 #CricketNationhttps://t.co/HpqP4w6Ufp

— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) October 29, 2024

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New Zealand head coach Gary Stead reported on Williamson’s rehabilitation progress, which was found to be doing quite well. Yet management opted to take caution from getting further setbacks in getting him properly prepared to deal with what is still looming before New Zealand against England.

‘Cautious Approach’ Followed For Williamson To Fully Recover

“Kane continues to show good signs, but isn’t quite ready to jump on a plane and join us. While things are looking promising, we think the best course of action is for him to stay in New Zealand and focus on the final part of his rehabilitation so he’ll be good to go for England. The England series is still a month away so taking the cautious approach now will ensure he is ready for the first test in Christchurch,” said Stead in a media release.

Williamson Eyeing To Get Back On Field

Before the injury, his innings in the series against Sri Lanka were sub-par to say the least as he could manage just 138 runs in four innings and averaged 34.50 with only one half-century to his name. Now, this was a total departure from the form in which Williamson started the year. Before getting injured during the final Test against South Africa in December, Williamson was among the top and went on to score 403 runs in four innings, with a marvelous average of 134.33 to go along with three hundreds.

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Fans will be eyeing hope for Williamson’s fast recovery into form and fitness, which will keep their spirits high in their all-important series against England after he misses New Zealand’s final Test against India.