Massive Kane Williamson update: Star cricketer returns to training ahead of ENG-NZ series

Kane Williamson, who has participated in three previous World Cup campaigns with New Zealand, played a pivotal role in the most recent edition, amassing an impressive 578 runs in 10 matches with an average of 82.57. He recorded two centuries and two half-centuries, contributing significantly to New Zealand's runner-up finish in a thrilling final against England at Lord's. Williamson's participation in the upcoming edition of the marquee ICC event remains doubtful, as he is yet to make a full recovery from the injury that he sustained during IPL 2023.

3 things you need to know

• Kane Williamson injured himself while playing for Gujarat Titans in the opening game of IPL 2023
• Williamson was ruled out of the tournament after scans revealed a ruptured ACL in his right knee
• The Kiwi captain is expected to return to competitive cricket for the upcoming World Cup

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Kane Williamson joins New Zealand camp despite injury concerns

Kane Williamson is being given every opportunity to prove his fitness for a potential fourth ICC Men's Cricket World Cup appearance later this year. Despite initially being considered unlikely to participate after sustaining a knee injury during an Indian Premier League (IPL) match in March, the 33-year-old has shown promising progress in his bid to lead New Zealand in the 50-over tournament.

Williamson, a seasoned right-handed batsman, is striving to secure a spot in New Zealand's 15-player squad for the six-week World Cup event set to begin in India on October 5. He has resumed batting practice with his teammates in preparation for an important white-ball series against England, starting August 30.

New Zealand's coach, Gary Stead, expressed optimism about Williamson's recovery progress, but he also emphasized that there are certain benchmarks the captain must meet before being considered for World Cup selection. Stead noted that there's about a two-week window until the squad announcement and the team is committed to providing Williamson with sufficient time to recover fully.

"We have got about two weeks from now until we name that side. We are going to give him every chance and use that full amount of time. He's in full rehab mode, he's back batting in the nets again which is great to see. He's progressing really well, but again, there's a lot of work for him still to do to make sure he gets to where we need him to be," Stead said. 

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New Zealand's World Cup journey kicks off with a highly anticipated match against England in Ahmedabad on October 5, a rematch of the memorable 2019 final. Teams have until September 5 to submit their preliminary squads for the upcoming World Cup, with final rosters required to be confirmed by the September 28 deadline. 

Image: IPL/BCCI