[WATCH] Kane Williamson Resumes Training with Kiwis, Fuels Hopes for World Cup 2023 Campaign
Kane Williamson is delighted to join the team camp (Twitter)
New Zealand captain, Kane Williamson has joined the Kiwis’ training camp at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui ahead of their tours to UAE and England.
Williamson joins team camp and hits the nets
In a video posted by Blackcaps on their Twitter handle, Williamson, who is recuperating from a knee surgery, was seen batting in the nets and training in the gym which sparked optimism for his participation in the World Cup 2023 slated to be held in India this October-November.
The elegant batter, who led the Kiwi team to the final in both the 2015 and 2019 ODI World Cups, expressed his eagerness to be back with the team.
“Great to see some of the guys and some of the new faces too and so, looking forward to the team camp. Nice to have it here at home as well in the mount and get into some training and just reconnect a little bit," said Williamson.
Williamson also opened up on his recovery process and shared how he was ensuring that he gets back to his batting levels prior the injury.
“Nice to be on the bike doing fitness sessions on the bike and progressing from the lower levels to control and get better with my movements and being able to incorporate some of the batting aspects where you move your feet a little bit more, So, got work to do. Just keep working hard really,” added the Kiwi veteran.
Though Williamson will not be a part of New Zealand's upcoming tours to the UAE and England, his return to training is a promising sign considering the marquee event later in the year. The Blackcaps are set to embark on a three-match T20I series in UAE starting August 17, followed by four T20Is and as many ODIs against England beginning August 30.
New Zealand head coach, Gary Stead also expressed satisfaction with Williamson's road to recovery.
“It’s nice seeing him with a bat in hand hitting balls again and albeit it’s not right at the level that he is to perform internationally but he’s certainly on the road to recovery. There’s usually silver linings in injuries and how you look at them and to hear them say 'Hey, I am invested in this team and I really want to keep playing for this team' is magic to hear,” stated Stead.
Williamson's leadership and performance have been widely acclaimed, and his potential participation in the World Cup 2023 is viewed as vital to the team's prospects.
Kiwis across the nation and fans worldwide are keeping a close eye on the 32-year-old's progress, with high anticipation for his role in the upcoming World Cup, where his batting and leadership could be game-changing.