Gary Stead, the head coach of New Zealand, expresses confidence in Kane Williamson’s fitness ahead of the Mt. Maunganui Test against South Africa. Williamson, a key batsman, had to withdraw during the T20I series against Pakistan due to a minor hamstring strain.

Dealing with injuries over the past 10 months, including an ACL rupture in IPL 2023, Williamson’s selection has been approached conservatively by New Zealand’s team management, prioritizing his workload management.

Stead anticipates Williamson’s return to training in a few days, emphasizing the importance of allowing him sufficient recovery time. Despite the temptation to ease Williamson’s timeline given South Africa’s inexperienced Test side, Stead is cautious, recognizing the challenge posed by the Proteas and their determination to prove themselves. New Zealand has never beaten South Africa in a Test series, adding significance to the upcoming contest.

Stead’s Outlook: Williamson’s Return and Boult’s Future in Focus for New Zealand

Trent Boult, not bound by a central contract and now a free player, may return for the T20Is against Australia, with an eye on securing a spot in the T20 World Cup squad later in the year. Coach Stead plans to discuss Boult’s future this week, acknowledging uncertainty but highlighting the team’s preparedness, evidenced by impressive performances from Ben Sears and the returning Lockie Ferguson in the bowling department against Pakistan.

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Stead commends the bowling group’s excellence throughout, noting the alternating performances of Sears and Ferguson, along with accurate and demanding spells from Southee, Milne, Henry, Santner, and Sodhi, putting significant pressure on Pakistan in the series.