Kane Williamson. (Photo Source: Instagram/kanekane_s_w)
Kane Williamson is one of the finest batters in modern-day cricket. He was picked up in the Indian Premier League Auction ahead of the 2023 edition with high hopes by Gujarat Titans. However, the Kiwi legend ruptured an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) while fielding in the first game, and his participation in the impending ODI World Cup in India was in serious doubt.
Months later, much to the delight of cricket enthusiasts around the world, the experienced campaigner has recovered post-surgery and will be leading the Black Caps in the marquee event, which begins with them facing defending champions England on October 5 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. New Zealand play a couple of warm-up games ahead of this first encounter against Pakistan and South Africa. Williamson wants to test his surgically-repaired knee by playing a part in one, if not both the games.
“There is a strong desire to be involved as much as I can. Basically, it’s just wanting to progress what I am doing now – the running, the fielding, time in the middle with the bat. Although it’s going well, you still have days that vary a little bit. So it’s working through those warm-up games to get as much out of it as I can, and as a team, without bothering it too much. Although the load is going to keep increasing, so there is a little bit of an unknown. But it has felt pretty good really in the last few weeks,” the 33-year-old was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz ahead of the New Zealand team’s departure from Christchurch en route to India for the World Cup.
‘We will definitely consider some of that’ – Williamson on possibility of changing his fielding position after injury
The right-handed batter hasn’t played competitive cricket since his injury during the IPL. He was part of the New Zealand setup, which travelled to England to play four T20Is followed by as many ODIs. Williamson stated that he might look at changing his fielding position when he returns to the field following the injury.
“We will definitely consider some of that. Where I field is usually at mid-off, which will probably remain the case. Probably slightly better suited to it than square of the wicket. Potentially some slip, but I won’t be standing there if we don’t require one,” Williamson said.