New Zealand captain Kane Williamson ruled out of second Test against England
- Planet Sport writer
- 10 June 2022
New Zealand suffer second major injury blow in a week as Kane Williamson is sidelined for second Test against England.
New Zealand captain Kane Williamson will be forced to sit out the second test against England due to Covid-19.
New Zealand had already suffered an injury blow with Colin De Grandhomme ruled out for the rest of the series with a foot problem.
Now they will have to do without their captain and top batter at Trent Bridge as they look to level the series.
New Zealand Cricket said Williamson used a rapid antigen test after experiencing minor symptoms and he has begun five days of isolation.
Coach Gary Stead confirmed Hamish Rutherford would join the squad as Williamson's replacement, and Tom Latham will captain the side in Williamson's absence.
"It's such a shame for Kane to be forced to withdraw on the eve of such an important match," Stead said.
"We're all feeling for him at this time and know how disappointed he will be.
"Hamish was with the Test squad earlier in the tour and has been playing for the Leicestershire Foxes in the Vitality T20 Blast."
The rest of the New Zealand squad have all returned negative Covid-19 test results so Williamson will isolate away from the touring party.
De Grandhomme suffered a tear in his right heel during the first test, with Stead confirming earlier this week that his series is over.
Michael Bracewell has been added the Black Caps' touring party to cover.
"It's a real shame for Colin to suffer this injury so early in the series," coach Gary Stead said.
"He's a massive part of our Test side and we'll certainly miss him.
"It's great to be able to call on someone like Michael who's been with the squad for the past month and is match-ready."
