Williamson and Jamieson withdraw from Bangladesh T20Is on ‘medical advice’

Christchurch, December 22: The New Zealand cricket team will face Bangladesh without captain Kane Williamson and bowler Kyle Jamieson as both players have been withdrawn from the upcoming T20 series at home. In his place, rising star Rachin Ravindra and experienced Jacob Duffy will be included in the team.

Mitchell Santner, who has previously led the team 14 times, will take over the captaincy in Williamson’s absence. According to a statement issued by New Zealand Cricket (NZC) on Friday, the decision to withdraw both players has been taken based on recent medical advice and in consideration of the team’s upcoming schedule, which includes Tests against South Africa and Australia this summer. Special attention has been paid to the series.

Williamson is set to undergo a period of knee rehabilitation and strengthening after his recent return to play in India and Bangladesh. Given the busy Test schedule against South Africa and Australia in the new year, the Kiwi team has decided not to risk Jamieson. As a result, he will miss the series against Bangladesh and the January T20 series against Pakistan.

New Zealand coach Gary Stead explained that the decision was based on the latest medical advice, to ensure that both Williamson and Jamieson are in optimal condition for the upcoming Test cricket against South Africa and Australia.

“We want both Kane and Kyle to be in the best possible place heading into the next phase of Test cricket against South Africa and Australia. Based on discussions with the medical staff and players, it was decided that there would be a period of rehabilitation and conditioning. The best option for both of them,” Stead said.

Stead expressed confidence in the replacements, saying that experienced T20 cricketer Jacob Duffy and talented player across formats Rachin Ravindra will make valuable contributions to the squad for the Bangladesh series.