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'Kya chal raha hain'- Fans react as Kane Williamson gets ruled out of opening match of 2023 World Cup against England

Ahead of that match, the Kiwis have got a big setback with Kane Williamson is set to be ruled out of the first match of the World Cup 2023.

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Rohit Kumar
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Kane Williamson ruled out

Kane Williamson ruled out (Source- Twitter)

The ODI World Cup 2023 warm-up matches start on Friday. Pakistan takes on New Zealand in the first warm-up match, at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad. Ahead of that match, the Kiwis have got a big setback with Kane Williamson is set to be ruled out of the first match of the World Cup 2023.

Williamson will miss the opening game of the ODI World Cup against the defending champions England on October 5 as he continues to recover from a knee injury. The Black Caps lost their ODI series against England with key players like their captain missing from the team.

With Williamson missing, it will be a huge problem for the last-time runners-up. Pacer Tim Southee was doubtful for the World Cup. He has been declared fit and set to participate in the mega event. England is currently in Guwahati to play a practice match against the host nation India. Southee is also in doubt for the opening game of the tournament after breaking and dislocating his thumb.

Right from the start we’ve taken a long-term view on Kane’s return to play: Gary Stead

Head coach Gary Stead said the priority was to ensure that Williamson had time to recover for his return to match fitness. He said, "Right from the start we’ve taken a long-term view on Kane’s return to play. His recovery is tracking well and it’s now a matter of making sure he can cope with the rigours and intensity of international cricket."

"We'll continue to take a day-by-day approach to Kane’s rehabilitation and certainly won’t be putting any pressure on him to return before he is ready." He is expected to play as a specialist batter during New Zealand’s behind-closed-doors warm-up match against Pakistan. He tore his ACL in his knee during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 in March this year and has been out of action.

Tom Latham will lead the side in Williamson's absence. Following their opening game against England, New Zealand will travel to Hyderabad to take on the Netherlands on October 9.

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