New Zealand head coach Rob Walter has revealed that discussions are going on regarding Kane Williamson’s availability for the home summer. Walter has stated that Williamson would be given time and space before his schedule is confirmed.
Kane Williamson, who holds a casual contract with New Zealand Cricket, did not play the three-match T20I series against Australia and also missed out on the Zimbabwe tour. As he was playing in the county cricket and The Hundred in England.
“With Kane, we’re still in conversations about what his summer will look like. He will play, no doubt about that, we’re just finalising when and where,” Walter said on Monday. “He’s earned the right to take his time and decide what the rest of his year should look like. The key thing is that he wants to play for his country, and sorting out those details might take a week or two, but he deserves that.”
Walter also stated that New Zealand will remain without Finn Allen (foot injury) and Adam Milne (ankle injury) for the white-ball series against England starting October 18 in Christchurch. However, he is hopeful that captain Mitchell Santner (groin pain) and Rachin Ravindra (facial injury sustained in training) will both return.
Reflecting on the team’s readiness, Walter said that full squad availability closer to major tournaments isn’t unusual. “I’ve been part of a World Cup campaign where the full team assembled just three days before the first game, and we still reached the final,” he noted. “The key is the culture and environment. As long as players are competing regularly and have been part of the setup, they can blend back in seamlessly. By the end of the India series in January, before the World Cup, our complete squad will be together.”
