Mumbai, October 22: Senior New Zealand batter Kane Williamson will not be available for the second Test against India in Pune as his rehabilitation from a groin strain is still not complete, the country's cricket board announced on Tuesday. New Zealand lead the three-match series 1-0 after winning the first game by eight wickets in Bengaluru. The second match will start here on Thursday. Sunil Gavaskar Lauds Sarfaraz Khan After Scoring 150 Against New Zealand in 1st Test, Says 'His Returns With the Bat Are Even More Prodigious Than His Waistline'.

Williamson, who is yet to join the squad here, suffered the injury during the recent Test series against Sri Lanka. Blackcaps head coach Gary Stead said Williamson was not yet ready even though he has made significant progress. The third Test is scheduled in Mumbai from November 1.

"We're monitoring Kane and he's tracking in the right direction, but isn't yet 100 per cent fit," said Stead in a statement issued by New Zealand Cricket (NZC). IND vs NZ 2nd Test 2024: India National Cricket Team Arrives in Pune To Play Against New Zealand (Watch Video) .

"We're hopeful to see further improvement over the coming days and have him available for the third Test. We'll give him as much time as possible to get himself ready, but certainly continue to take a cautious approach," he added.

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