Williamson opts out of T20Is to focus on Tests against India

JAIPUR, Nov 16: New Zealand captain Kane Williamson will miss the upcoming three T20 Internationals against India starting here on Wednesday as he wants to fully focus on the two-Test series, which will commence in Kanpur from November 25.
Senior speedster Tim Southee will lead the Black Caps in the white ball series, the New Zealand Cricket stated in its release.
“With the opening game of the T20 series on Wednesday evening, followed by games on Friday and Sunday night – the decision was made for Williamson to join the Test specialist group already training in Jaipur as they focus on red-ball preparation,” NZC added.
“Tim Southee will captain the T20 side for the opening game on Wednesday, while Kyle Jamieson, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, and Mitchell Santner are also available for both series,” it further stated.
Fast bowler Lockie Ferguson’s recovery from a right calf-strain continues to progress well and he is expected to be available for the T20 series as well.
Boult to miss India Tests
India’s Test batters will be relieved that Trent Boult will not bend a few into the right-handers as Boult feels he needs to refresh and rejuvenate.
Boult is in India for the three-match T20 International series but will head back home from Kolkata after the final white-ball game as he takes a break before being back against Bangladesh for a home Test series.
Boult, who also featured in the second leg of the IPL before the T20 World Cup, said that he is now looking forward to the New Zealand summer.
“It has been 12 or so weeks away already so just looking forward to refresh a little bit and then taking on the New Zealand Summer,” he said. (PTI)