Anyone who just reads the scorecard of the ongoing second ODI between India and New Zealand is almost certain to be under a delusion regarding the match being a Test and not an ODI which is being played at Seddon Park and not Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium.
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The crux of the matter is that the first-ever international cricket match in Raipur has found the visitors in tatters. Although India captain Rohit Sharma was puzzled at the toss, his decision to bowl first has worked wonders for his team.
What followed was Indian seamers dictating terms with inch perfect seam and swing to reduce the BlackCaps to 15/5 in the 11th over. Each of the four bowlers used by Sharma as of now has managed to dismiss at least one batter. With two of them getting out caught and bowled, it wouldn’t be wrong to say that New Zealand have become a victim of soft dismissals as well.
Playing a must-win match in order to avoid a series loss, the Kiwis are in dire need of a mammoth partnership. With Glenn Phillips and Michael Bracewell facing the heat in the middle, both of them are required to bat as long as possible before exploring the lower-order against two new balls.
Why Williamson is not playing for NZ in ODI series vs India?
New Zealand captain Kane Williamson would’ve been an ideal player to lead a rescue innings in such a crisis situation. Been there and done that with respect to turning things around after a top-order collapse, Williamson has it in him to hold an end in such circumstances.
That being said, New Zealand will have to bail themselves out of trouble in Williamson’s absence for now. It is worth mentioning that Williamson isn’t part of the ODI or T20I squad for this tour. Having scored a Test double century and a couple of ODI half-centuries on the tour of Pakistan recently, Williamson has been rested for six white-ball matches on this tour.
Not alone to have been provided a rest, Williamson has been accompanied by Test captain Tim Southee among two players who haven’t traveled to India.
Is Kane Williamson retired?
No, Kane Williamson hasn’t announced retirement from any format of international cricket. Very much an active player at the highest level, Williamson had relinquished Test captaincy last month.
