Henry Nicholls has been named as Kane Williamson’s replacement for the second Test against England at The Oval on Wednesday, with the 34-year-old handed the daunting task of filling one of cricket’s most storied batting positions.
Williamson brought his illustrious international career to a close following New Zealand’s 115-run defeat at Lord’s earlier this month, ending a chapter that saw him become the Black Caps’ all-time leading run-scorer across all formats.
His decision to step away mid-series came as a significant blow, though captain Tom Latham was quick to defend the 35-year-old’s integrity.
“For him to acknowledge that he’s not quite right, or that he can’t necessarily give 100 per cent, is testament to the player that he is, but also the person that he is,” Latham said.
Nicholls, who has not featured in Test cricket since a match against Zimbabwe 11 months ago, was preferred over Will Young for the number three role. Latham pointed to Nicholls’ experience at that position for Canterbury as a key factor in the decision.
“It’s a really exciting opportunity for him,” Latham said. “He’s always been able to adapt to situations and he’ll do whatever is required for the team.”
Opener Devon Conway was confirmed fit after returning home between Tests for the birth of his second child, while seamer Matt Henry attended Tuesday’s net session in a bid to prove his fitness after back spasms limited his involvement at Lord’s.
– AFP
Photo: Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images
