Wellington:New Zealand captain Kane Williamson will miss the second Test match against the West Indies, starting Friday, as he takes the paternity leave.
Williamson, who was his team's top run-scorer in the first Test of the series with a career-best 251, was adjudged the Player of the Match in New Zealand's biggest Test win over West Indies, will head home to Tauraunga for the birth of his first child.
He will be replaced by Will Young at Number 3 for the second match of the series as the hosts look to complete the whitewash.
Tom Latham, who has captained New Zealand earlier this year in the Sydney Test against Australia, will take the reins for the Wellington match in Williamson's absence.
Importantly, a win will see New Zealand edge past England in the World Test Championship points table and boost their chances of making the inaugural final of the event.
"I guess it's the best decision for him [Williamson] and Sarah, and also for our team in the long term in terms of him being in a good place as well," said New Zealand coach Gary Stead on Thursday.
After the conclusion of the series against West Indies, New Zealand are scheduled to play Pakistan in three T20Is from December 18-22 followed by a two-Test series, which gets underway on December 26. It is unclear as to when Williamson will be available for selection again.(UNI)