Williamson’s departure to India delayed, Chapman called in as cover

Kane Williamson will delay his departure with the BLACKCAPS Test squad for the three-Test series against India due to a groin strain.

Williamson experienced groin discomfort during the second Test against Sri Lanka in Galle and will require a period of rehabilitation before joining the squad in India.

BLACKCAPS selector Sam Wells said the plan was still for Williamson to play some part in the three-Test series which starts in Bengaluru from October 16.

"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," said Wells.

"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."

Uncapped Auckland Aces batter Mark Chapman will join the squad as cover for Williamson.

Chapman, who has become a mainstay in the BLACKCAPS white-ball sides, averages 41.9 in first-class cricket, with six centuries, including 114 for New Zealand A against India A at Bert Sutcliffe Oval in 2020.

He featured in three of the Aces Plunket Shield fixtures last summer, notching 245 runs at 40, including 123 against the Otago Volts in Dunedin in February.

Wells said Chapman possessed the right skillset for Test cricket in the sub-continent.

“We believe Mark is one of our best players of spin and has a proven track-record in the sub-continent,” said Wells.

“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.”

Allrounder Michael Bracewell will travel with the squad for the first Test in Bengaluru before returning home for the birth of his second child and will be replaced by Ish Sodhi for the remainder of the series.

The remainder of the squad is unchanged from the recent Test series against Sri Lanka, with Tom Latham leading the side for the first time as full-time Test captain.

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