Napier:New Zealand have suffered a massive blow ahead of their third and final T20I against India on Tuesday with news that skipper and star batter Kane Williamson will miss the match to attend a medical appointment.
Williamson top-scored for New Zealand with a stylish 61 during the Black Caps' 65-run loss to India in Mount Maunganui on Sunday, but the inspirational captain will skip the series decider in Napier on Tuesday.
Experienced bowler Tim Southee will captain the Kiwis in the absence of Williamson, while left-handed batter Mark Chapman is called into the squad to replace New Zealand's skipper.
New Zealand coach Gary Stead insisted the medical appointment that Williamson will attend had nothing to do with his lingering elbow issue and the 32-year-old will re-join the squad ahead of the ODI series that commences in Auckland on Friday.
"Kane’s been trying to get this booked in for a while now, but unfortunately it hasn’t been able to fit into our schedule." Stead said."The health and wellbeing of our players and staff is paramount, and we look forward to seeing him in Auckland," he added.
India's emphatic victory on Sunday sees the Asian side hold a 1-0 lead in the three-match series,with New Zealand requiring a victory on Tuesday to avoid a series defeat after the first game was abandoned due to wet weather.(UNI)