Really excited at the prospect of tomorrow, says Williamson ahead of clash against Bangladesh

CHENNAI: New Zealand captain Kane Williamson said he is “excited at the prospect” of making his first appearance at 2023 Men’s ODI World Cup in Friday’s clash against Bangladesh at the MA Chidambaram Stadium following his recovery from the ACL injury in right knee.

There were question marks over Williamson’s participation in the event after rupturing the ACL in his right knee in March, while fielding in the opening match of IPL 2023 for Gujarat Titans, and had to undergo surgery on return to home.

Since then, his rehab and recovery progressed in such a manner that he was able to play New Zealand’s warm-up match as a specialist batter, using his timing and wrists to perfection to get a fifty. Though he missed New Zealand’s games against England and Netherlands, Williamson is all set to come back into international cricket against Bangladesh.

“As for my recovery it’s been quite a journey but largely a good one that’s had some really good progress and I’ve said a number of times, really excited to be named in the World Cup squad, be sitting here now and really excited at the prospect of tomorrow, which is another big challenge for us. A new venue, new opposition, as we know, which always happens in world events and we’re looking forward to the challenge,” said Williamson in the pre-match press conference.

Talking about his rehab journey, Williamson said, “The whole sort of journey really (began) with a series of really small steps and just trying to take small steps forward and it certainly started with strength and range in terms of the knee and then gradually trying to improve that and control a bit - some of the pain around it as the load increases and we could be here all day talking about it.”

“But I’ll fast forward a little bit - and great to be here and then and get involved in those warm-up games which were really, really enjoyable and then you know during those and post that were a lot of sort of return to play fitness parts which were perhaps a little bit more related to fielding, time on feet and looking to try and execute some of those skills.” IANS

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