New Zealand captain Kane Williamson has tested positive for COVID-19 and has been ruled out of the 2nd Test match against England.
Williamson said he developed minor symptoms in the morning and took the rapid antigen test. Upon testing positive, the 31-year-old has placed himself in 5-day isolation.
Following Williamson’s result, the rest of the squad underwent mandatory tests where they all tested negative.
Tom Latham will lead the Kiwis in the 2nd test to be played from 10th June-14th June at the Trent Bridge.
Williamson’s absence couldn’t have come at a wrong time. It is a must-win match for the Blackcaps after losing the first one Test.
Apart from levelling the series, New Zealand are also looking at the World Test Championship table. The defending champions are placed 7th, just above England.
Kiwi’s coach Gary Stead spoke about their captain’s absence and said, “It’s such a shame that Kane was forced to withdraw on the eve of such an important match; we’re all feeling for him.”
The 33-year-old Hamish Rutherford has replaced Williamson. “Hamish was with the Test squad earlier on tour and has been playing for the Leicestershire Foxes in the Vitality T20 Blast,” he added.