Sports News | Williamson Ruled out of New Zealand Team for B'desh Tests, Latham to Lead

Wellington [New Zealand], December 22 (ANI): New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson has been ruled out of the Test series against Bangladesh starting at Bay Oval on New Year's Day.

In the absence of Williamson, batter Tom Latham will be leading the BlackCaps in the series.

Also Read | Year Ender 2021: Wanindu Hasaranga, Shaheen Afridi and Other Top Young Cricketers Who Stole the Show.

Following an impressive start to his Test career in England, Devon Conway returns to the squad. He suffered a hand injury in the ICC T20 World Cup semi-final against England in November.

There's no space for a specialist spinner in the 13-man squad, meaning left-arm spinner Ajaz Patel misses out despite his heroics in India, with Rachin Ravindra and Daryl Mitchell covering the spin and seam all-rounder spots, respectively.

Also Read | Lionel Messi Set To Lead PSG Attack Against Lorient in Neymar and Kylian Mbappe's Absence; Will He Finally Be Able To Recreate His Magic in Ligue 1 2021-22?.

"It's great to be back home and at venues, we know well, and where we've had success in recent times," said New Zealand coach Gary Stead as per an official release.

"It's obviously disappointing not to have Kane available for this series but, as we noted in India, he is undergoing a sustained period of rest followed by rehabilitation, strengthening, and gradual batting load. We have every confidence in Tom leading the side - he's done an excellent job in the past when called upon," he added.

New Zealand Test squad: Tom Latham (c), Tom Blundell, Trent Boult, Devon Conway, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, Neil Wagner, Will Young. (ANI)

(The above story is verified and authored by ANI staff, ANI is South Asia's leading multimedia news agency with over 100 bureaus in India, South Asia and across the globe. ANI brings the latest news on Politics and Current Affairs in India & around the World, Sports, Health, Fitness, Entertainment, & News. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)