India vs New Zealand | Huge blow to Kiwis as Kane Williamson ruled out
New Zealand's ambitions to level the series at Kolkata received its biggest setback today after skipper Kane Williamson was ruled out with a virus. Former captain Ross Taylor will lead the side in the talismanic batsman's absence at the second Test in the Eden Gardens today.
Williamson was down with the ailment on Thursday but was initially expected to recover in time for the Test despite having missed the practice sessions. However, it appears he had not, and New Zealand cricket has announced that he will miss the Test.
Team news: Kane Williamson has been ruled out of the BLACKCAPS 2nd Test in Kolkata with illness. Ross Taylor will captain side #indvnz ^CE
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) September 30, 2016
Williamson was expected to be the chief architect of any resistance the Kiwis would mount in the series. The skipper top-scored in the first innings at Kanpur with a 75 as the Kiwis threatened to take a first-innings lead before the Indian spinners ran amok through the line-up. However, with him out of the equation, this Test may end up being a one-sided affair. The visitors are already without Jimmy Neesham, Tim Southee, and Mark Craig due to injuries.