New Zealand announced their squad for the three-Test tour of India starting next week, with star batter Kane Williamson's participation in the early stages of the series in doubt.
On Wednesday (October 9), New Zealand Cricket announced that Williamson had complained of discomfort in his groin during the second Test against Sri Lanka last month.
Williamson doubtful for first India-New Zealand Test in Bengaluru
Williamson has been advised to rest and rehabilitate at the moment, rather than risk aggravating the injury. The New Zealand squad will depart for India on Friday, October 11, ahead of the first Test in Bengaluru on October 16 but Williamson will not travel with them.
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Selector Sam Wells did say the batter was not ruled out of the series though, with the plan for him to take part in the latter stages at least: "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.
"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 has been named in the squad, but uncapped batter Mark Chapman has also been called up as cover. Chapman has already played 99 times for New Zealand in white-ball cricket (23 ODIs and 76 T20Is). In 44 first-class matches so far, he has scored 2954 runs at an average of nearly 43.
Wells outlined that the left-hander had been picked for his ability to play spin: "Mark has displayed an ability to play spin proactively in the international arena, and combined with his excellent first-class record, we see him as someone who can succeed in the type of conditions we expect to encounter in India."
Michael Bracewell to miss last two Tests, Ish Sodhi called up
The other major news from the squad announcement concerns all-rounder Michael Bracewell. Bracewell will travel with the squad for the first Test in Bengaluru, but will return home afterwards for the birth of his second child.
As a result, he will miss the second and third Tests in Pune and Mumbai respectively, with leg-spinner Ish Sodhi taking his place in the squad.
The rest of New Zealand's squad is the same as the one that travelled to Sri Lanka, with Tom Latham leading his country for the first time as full-time captain following Tim Southee's resignation from the post last week.
New Zealand squad for India Tests: Full list of players selected
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