NZ v WI: Kane Williamson to miss the Wellington Test Match

Kane Williamson, the New Zealand skipper will miss the upcoming test match against West Indies at Wellington after being granted a paternity leave. He will return home to his partner, Sarah Rahim as they await the birth of their first child.

Kane Williamson scored his career best knock of 251 runs in the first test against West Indies at Seddon Park and was also adjudged the Man of the Match. He will be replaced by Will Young at number three as the hosts aim to win another series at home after defeating India 2-0, earlier this year

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Tom Latham will lead the New Zealand side in the second test match and has already been a captain of the Black Caps against Australia earlier this year.

“It’s a decision we have come to around, I guess, the best decision for him [Williamson] and Sarah, and also for our team long-term, and in terms of him being in a good place to be with Sarah as well,” Gary Stead, the New Zealand head coach, said on Thursday. “Young will come in and bat three, it’s a logical replacement that he just slips into that position. Will’s played there a lot, so, yeah, it’s a natural replacement.”

“Tom Latham will take over as captain. He has been Test captain before in the past for us, and he’s got a calm head on his shoulders, and I know with a lot of other leaders in our team that he will lean on them for their support as well.”

Kane Williamson was granted a paternity leave by New Zealand Cricket but Gary Stead was hopeful of having Williamson for the second test match. The last test at Wellington marks the end of West Indies tour of New Zealand as the Kiwis now focus their attention on Pakistan.