The New Zealand cricket team has kickstarted their preparations for the upcoming ICC World Cup 2023 which will be conducted in India from October to November. Unfortunately, the Blackcaps sustained a humiliating 0-4 defeat against Pakistan as they traveled to the subcontinent in view of the marquee event. The struggling New Zealand contingent had earlier suffered a massive blow as their skipper and ace batsman Kane Williamson sustained a grievous injury. Williamson was participating in the Indian Premier League 2023 and was a part of the Gujarat Titans franchise where he injured himself in a stellar effort to save a boundary in the inaugural fixture against Chennai Super Kings.
Williamson tore his anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee and successfully underwent surgery in April. Williamson immediately flew to Auckland where he will now undergo a rehabilitation program. It is expected that Williamson will require close to 9 months for complete recovery and his participation at the World Cup is highly doubtful.
Tom Southee, and Tom Latham fort runners for the role of Captain
The New Zealand team management is now concerned to appoint a replacement skipper in place of Williamson since the World Cup is round the corner. Head Coach Gary Stead has suggested that frontline batsman Tom Latham and new ball bowler Tim Southee are the frontrunners to be named as the captain.
Unfortunately, Tom Latham had a devastating experience in Pakistan but it was probably due to the unavailability of seniors. Southee has led the Test team multiple times but Latham’s paramount white-ball experience gives him an edge over his counterpart.
Tom Latham has led the New Zealand side in 23 of 46 ODI games since the 2019 World Cup. He recently had a great stint while drawing a T-20I series against Pakistan by 2-2 whereas. However, he witnessed a contrary experience in the ODI series as his side lost by 1-4. The ICC in consultation with the BCCI will soon announce the schedule for World Cup and we are expecting a decision from New Zealand soon.
Also read, Former Pakistan Cricketer Imran Khan Arrested In Islamabad
