Kane Williamson returns for the England series: New Zealand coach Gary Stead

New Zealand head coach Gary Stead has expressed strong confidence that Kane Williamson will be fit to return for the first Test of New Zealand’s home summer against England, scheduled for November 28 to December 2 at Hagley Oval in Christchurch.

The New Zealand management has opted not to risk Williamson for the upcoming Test in Mumbaiwhich starts Friday, is instead choosing to take a cautious approach to his recovery. Williamson, 34, suffered a groin injury during New Zealand’s recent tour of Sri Lanka, just before the opening of the three-match Test series in India.

“Yes, very confident,” Stead said of Williamson’s availability for the first Test against England. “I mean, we could have gotten it here (in India) straight away, but given the travel factor and the certainty that you can actually recover properly when you get here, we didn’t feel like that was worth it. So we’re happy that we have him ready and are confident he will be right for that first test against England.”

Despite Williamson’s absence during the India series, New Zealand achieved a historic milestone by securing their first-ever Test series win in the country. Will Young, who came in at number 3, impressed with his resilience against Indian bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah and R Ashwin, adapting well to the challenging conditions in Bengaluru and Pune.

Stead said he hoped Williamson would use the time off to prepare for the England series.

“Look, it’s always disappointing when he’s not with us,” Stead said of Williamson. “I mean, he’s New Zealand’s best Test run scorer for a reason, and I think when you have Kane in your side it makes it look stronger. But the boys have done really well.

“We’ve adapted well here without him. The best thing for Kane is to get himself right into the right place for England and we’re certainly looking forward to him coming back and hopefully making a difference in that Test series there for us.”

New Zealand retain an outside chance of reaching the World Test Championship final but must win all their remaining 4 matches.