Kane Williamson Is Expected To Return In South Africa Game: Reports

New Zealand look like one of the four favourites for the semi-final spots in the ongoing ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023.

Kane Williamson in action.

In the ongoing ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, New Zealand are set to face South Africa in match 32 at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune on Wednesday, November 1. Kane Williamson, the Black Caps' skipper, is expected to return for this match against South Africa after recovering from a thumb fracture he sustained during a game against Bangladesh.

According to a report from NewSports Hub, Williamson's recovery has been progressing well, and he has been actively participating in practice sessions. He may rejoin the team for the upcoming match. New Zealand are coming off two consecutive defeats against India and Australia.

New Zealand Coach Gary Stead mentioned, “It was just low-level intensity, but he will train tomorrow [Monday] and the next day, with a view to potentially being available for this game. That will depend just how he comes through in the next couple of days.”

Injury Scares For New Zealand

To New Zealand’s dismay, there have been injury concerns in their camp. Pacer Lockie Ferguson suffered a right Achilles injury during the match against Australia at the HPCA cricket stadium on Saturday. Additionally, Mark Chapman has a calf niggle following a practice session. Stead confirmed that both players will not be available for the upcoming match.

Regarding Ferguson's injury, Stead explained, “[Ferguson] has woken up feeling a little bit better than certainly what he has, but he will be getting a scan tomorrow morning here in Pune. We’re hopeful it’s maybe something about just a week in terms of return to play. It’s something that he’s had in the past its niggled away, but this has just flared up again at perhaps a bad time for him. We’re unsure at this stage whether he will play in the next game or be available, but he’s progressed well and he’s not far away from being selectable again."

New Zealand look like one of the four favourites for the semi-final spots in the ongoing ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023. They won their first four matches consecutively after being defeated by India and Australia in Dharamsala. They are currently placed 3rd on the points table of the tournament and will look to solidify their spot against the high-flying South African side, who stand at 2nd in the points table.