Williamson underwent a rapid antigen test (RAT) after experiencing minor symptoms during the day and will now begin five days of isolation. After them, all the other players and team management also got tested for COVID 19 but the rest of the members reported negative RAT and would continue to follow the health protocols of symptom reporting and subsequent testing visits if necessary.
Coach Gary Stead confirmed that Hamish Rutherford will join the team tomorrow morning in place of Kane Williamson.
“It’s a disappointment for Kane to be forced to withdraw on the eve of such an important match,” he added.
“We all feel for him at the moment and know how disappointed he will be.
“Hamish was with the Test team in the first tour and is playing for Leicestershire Foxes in the T20 Vitality Blast.”
Tom Latham will captain the team in the absence of Kane Williamson. Tom Latham, who has previously led the team in Williamson’s absence, will captain the side in Nottingham as they look to bounce back from a loss in the first match of the series at Lord’s.
England Eyeing On Series Win, New Zealand In Absence Of Kane Williamson
The tourists were dealt another blow last week when Colin de Grandhomme was ruled out of the series due to injury while bowling. Williamson’s absence is another blow to being one of the leading batsmen in the world as well as being the captain.
In Williamson’s absence, batting all-rounder Michael Bracewell could come into the squad to make his Test debut, effectively replacing de Grandhomme with Henry Nicholls replacing Williamson at the top of the order. Hamish Rutherford, who has been recalled in the wider squad to play in the T20 Blast for Leicestershire, is another option. This is a time of crisis for New Zealand. Obviously the team would like to give their best even though the star players have been out of the team.