New Zealand captain Kane Williamson has been ruled out of the second Test against England at Edgbaston due to an elbow injury. Due to the same problem, he had to miss an ODI series against Bangladesh earlier this year and few matches of the 2021 IPL for the Sunrisers Hyderabad. In his absence, the team's regular vice-captain Tom Latham will lead the team in the second Test. The first match of the series played at Lord's in London was inconclusive.
The New Zealand team management decided to drop the regular captain in the second Test to avoid serious injury before the World Test Championship (WTC) final against India on June 18. Latham will lead the side for the third time, while Will Young will replace Kane Williamson in the playing XI.
Meanwhile, New Zealand's 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's had an injection in his elbow to relieve the irritation he's been experiencing when he bats and a period of rest and rehabilitation will help maximise his recovery. The decision has been made very much with the ICC World Test Championship final at Southampton in mind. We are confident he will be ready for that match starting on June 18.
Praising Will Young, Latham said, "He's been here a few weeks earlier [than the rest of the squad] and was playing cricket. He had an opportunity back in our home summer and is coming off runs for Durham. Especially in these conditions, so it's another exciting opportunity for Will to put his hand up and try to put that performance on the board."
