NZ SL 1st Test: New Zealand hopes Williamson will probably be prepared for Sri Lanka regardless of bereavement

New Zealand expects record-breaking batter Kane Williamson will probably be “ready to go” when its Test collection begins towards Sri Lanka on Thursday, regardless of his late arrival due to a bereavement.

Williamson has remained at house within the build-up to attend a memorial service on Wednesday for his grandmother.

Ahead of the opening Test in Christchurch, captain Tim Southee stated the Black Caps have been “feeling for Kane at the moment”.

Southee stated that whereas Williamson had not been a part of the staff’s preparations, he had skilled along with his home facet, “so I am sure he will be hitting plenty of balls and making sure he is ready to go come Thursday”.

The 32-year-old Williamson is essential to New Zealand’s probabilities within the two-Test collection.

He overtook Ross Taylor to change into the nation’s highest run-scorer in historical past in final month’s second Test towards England, when the host gained by only one run in Wellington to attract the collection.

Williamson’s grandmother made headlines just lately in New Zealand when she rang a radio talkshow to criticise a caller who complained the cricketer’s undemonstrative model made him look “disinterested” at occasions.

“We’re not a family that goes yahooing around,” she stated.

Speaking on the eve of the primary Test, Southee stated his gamers had moved on from the extraordinary England triumph.

“It is a match that will be talked about for a long time, but they are a very humble group, now our focus will shift to Sri Lanka,” he stated.

Visitor Sri Lanka has a lot to play for — it wants to comb the collection to maintain alive its hopes of creating the World Test Championship ultimate.

New Zealand is the reigning champion however out of rivalry for the present competitors.

Must win

Sri Lanka must win the 2 Tests and hope India loses its upcoming fourth Test towards Australia to make the ultimate.

“I don’t want to put pressure on the boys, but everyone knows this is a must-win,” stated Sri Lanka captain Dimuth Karunaratne.

“We’re in the top-three right now, so we have one hurdle, and everyone knows where we are now.”

Sri Lanka has solely gained two of 19 Tests in New Zealand, most just lately in 2006.