Big blow to New Zealand ahead of India Tests, Kane Williamson to miss series opener due to groin strain

India vs New Zealand: Kane Williamson to miss series opener due to groin strain (AP Photo)

Kane Williamson will miss at least the first of New Zealand's three Tests in India later this month because of a groin strain. Selector Sam Wells confirmed that Williamson will not be with the rest of the New Zealand squad when it leaves for India on Friday. Mark Chapman, who has yet to play a Test but who has played 23 one-day and 76 Twenty20 internationals was named as injury cover for Williamson in the squad announced Wednesday.

“The advice we’ve received is that the best course of action is for Kane to rest and rehabilitate now rather than risk aggravating the injury,” Wells said. “We’re hopeful that if the rehabilitation goes to plan Kane will be available for the latter part of the tour. While it’s obviously disappointing to not have Kane available from the start of the tour, it provides an opportunity for someone else to play a role in an important series.”

Wells said Chapman "is one of our best players of spin and has a proven track-record in the sub-continent. Mark has displayed an ability to play spin proactively in the international arena and combined with his excellent first-class record we see him as someone who can succeed in the type of conditions we expect to encounter in India.”

Spinner Michael Bracewell will return to New Zealand after the first Test to be with his wife who is expecting their second child. Ish Sodhi has been named for the second and third Tests.

The first Test at Bengaluru starts on October 16 and the second in Pune from October 24-28. The final Test is scheduled for November 1-5 in Mumbai. New Zealand is coming off a two-Test series loss to Sri Lanka in late September.