Coach Gary Stead expressed confidence that captain Kane Williamson will recover from his hamstring injury in time for New Zealand’s first Test against South Africa. Stead emphasized that he did not want to aggravate Williamson’s injury, and they would give him the necessary time to recuperate. The team is hopeful that wicketkeeper-batter Tom Blundell will also be fit for the Test series opener, but if not, they have several options, including uncapped players Cam Fletcher and Dane Cleaver.
In addition, Stead suggested that Trent Boult could be in line for selection in the T20I series against Australia, but a return for the Tests against South Africa is unlikely due to his lack of recent first-class experience. New Zealand is currently considering new fast bowlers in the absence of Boult, including rookie Ben Sears and the returning Lockie Ferguson.
Finally, with South Africa bringing a second-string Test side to New Zealand, Stead warned that they would still pose a significant challenge despite the lack of experience. New Zealand remains wary of the opposition and is determined to beat South Africa in a Test series for the first time ever.
