New Zealand captain Kane Williamson has finally admitted to what was quite apparent given his current form. The 25-year old was not a part of the line-up for the Yorkshire side taking over Surrey in the county match between the two teams at The Oval. The official reason given out is that he is “mentally fatigued”.
Beginning from August this year, the New Zealand team has a rigorous schedule ahead of them with tours of Zimbabwe and South Africa. Up until March, the Balck Caps have 14 Tests, 19 One-day internationals and four Twenty20 internationals which Williamson is supposed to captain taking over from Brendon McCullum. Needless to say, this is very crucial juncture for New Zealand Cricket and Kane Williamson's fatigue is potentially worrying.
New Zealand Cricket coach Mike Hesson spoke to media personnel at Auckland Airport and confirmed the case of “mental fatigue” that has been attributed to Williamson. Speaking to reporters, Hesson said, “I read that this morning as well but I've spoken to Kane many times and he's fine and very much looking forward to getting over there.”
A glance at the New Zealand's captain's schedule shows him playing continuous cricket for several months. Before returning for a county stint, Williamson featured regularly in the IPL where he plays for Sunrisers Hyderabad and even before that he fulfilled his responsibilities to the national team when he represented them in the World T20s.
This has not outwardly affected his form yet as he overcame his fatigue to score 65 for his club which is his recorded score for Yorkshire, beating his previous personal best of 48. Williamson was third out at 80 in the 11th over, driving off-spinner Wes Durston to Wayne Madsen running in from long-off.
Until he is fit, his Yorkshire position will be taken up by Australian, Travis Head.
Mike Hesson further responded to comments about Williamson’s fitness and questions regarding whether or not the international tours would go on as scheduled. "It'll be great for Kane - he's captained New Zealand 36 times but it'll be his first Test match and it'll be a special occasion," he said.
Hesson also shrugged off speculation that the tour to Zimbabwe may be called off after reports of a civil unrest in the country.”There's nothing to suggest it won't at this stage, but we'll need to collect further information and a number at New Zealand Cricket and the Players Association and many other people are providing really good advice,” he added.
Brand-new app in a brand-new avatar! Download CricRocket for fast cricket scores, rocket flicks, super notifications and much more! 🚀☄️
