Kane Williamson in doubt for third Test against Bangladesh due to shoulder injury

Kane Williamson, the New Zealand skipper, is in doubt for the third and final Test against Bangladesh which will begin at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch on March 16 due to a shoulder injury. In a press release issued by New Zealand Cricket, it said, “An MRI confirmed a grade one tear to his left pectoral minor muscle. He will travel to Christchurch with us to be further assessed. The third Test starts on Saturday.” Post this, he was immediately taken to the hospital to see if the injury suffered in severe or not. 

Williamson injured his left shoulder while fielding in the game and was twice attended by the medical staff as he came on to bat. Despite the injury, Williamson showed immense composure throughout his innings and went onto score a gritty 74 off 105 deliveries with the help of eleven fours and a solitary six. 

After playing a fiery knock, he was perished by Taijul Islam. A team staff described the step to take Williamson for scans as a 'precautionary,' measure. If serious, the injury can prove to be a huge blow for New Zealand with the impending World Cup.

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The Kiwi skipper has been one of the most consistent run-getters for the Blackcaps across formats and the team cannot afford to lose him for the showpiece event. 

Meanwhile, New Zealand continued their batting form against the Bangla Tigers and posted a mammoth total of 432/6 on the board in the first innings. Williamson effort combined with Ross Taylor's excellence helped the duo to put up a partnership of 172 runs. 

There is another injury concern for New Zealand, with BJ Watling also suffering a hamstring injury while warming up on the fifth morning. "BJ has a minor left hamstring strain. We felt it was best he didn't keep today to give him the best chance of being fit for the third Test,” New Zealand head coach Gary Stead said. 

Williamson is due to fly to India after the Bangladesh series to join up with the Sunrisers Hyderabad in the money-spinning Twenty20 IPL. "If things progress as we hope, then still going to the IPL shouldn't be a problem to him," said Stead. "But he's also aware that if he's not quite 100 per cent, then we will potentially hold him back as well and make sure that he is right before he goes on that plane." 

The Wellington Test between New Zealand and Bangladesh was ruined by rain for the first two and a half days. Yet, Bangladesh lost. New Zealand, boosted by Ross Taylor's brilliant double century and a fantastic spell of hostile fast bowling from Neil Wagner helped Kane Williamson's side clinch the Test by an innings and 12 runs to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. The result is remarkable considering that on a green pitch at the Basin Reserve, Bangladesh had made an excellent start but New Zealand needed all their skill to pull the game back. The victory continued New Zealand's dominant run against Bangladesh, who once again failed to capitalise on key moments in the match.  

HIGHLIGHTS

• Kane Williamson was dismissed for 74 in the Wellington Test.
• New Zealand won the Wellington Test by an innings and 12 runs.
• Ross Taylor smashed a magnificent 200, his 18th Test century.