New Zealand captain Kane Williamson has been ruled out of the decisive second Test against England at Edgbaston. The world’s number one batsman has been managing a tendon injury in his left elbow for several months and, with the forthcoming World Test Championship final against India being the squad’s overwhelming priority, he will not be risked this week. Batsman Will Young will come in to the side in Williamson’s place, having spent the early part of the season as Durham’s overseas professional. Black Caps head coach Gary Stead said: “It’s not an easy decision for Kane to have to miss a Test, but we think it’s the right one,” he said. “The decision has been made very much with the ICC World Test Championship final at Southampton in mind and we are confident he will be ready for that match starting on June 18th.”

Source: The Irish Times June 09, 2021 09:00 UTC