15 Mar 2019

Kane Williamson out of third test, Will Young to debut

12:11 pm on 15 March 2019

The Black Caps cricket captain Kane Williamson will miss the third test against Bangladesh, which starts tomorrow in Christchurch, after failing to recover from a pectoral injury.

New Zealand captain Kane Williamson leaves the field after scoring his double hundred.

New Zealand captain Kane Williamson leaves the field after scoring a double hundred. Photo: Photosport

His withdrawal means Central Districts batsman Will Young will make his test debut while Tim Southee will lead the side, becoming New Zealand's 30th Test captain.

Coach Gary Stead says while Williamson has improved since the second Test it wasn't worth the risk of playing him at Hagley Oval.

"Kane is obviously a really important player for us and with the nature of the injury we couldn't be sure he wouldn't aggravate it.

"Hess improving every day and will continue his rehabilitation as planned.

"Will has been waiting in the wings for a while now and heel get a great opportunity batting at number three in a settled line-up."

Wicket-keeper BJ Watling has overcome his hamstring injury and will play.