Kane Williamson optimistic about playing in New Zealand’s T20 World Cup opener

New Zealand’s skipper Kane Williamson downplayed worries about his health ahead of the Black Caps’ T20 World Cup opener against Pakistan on October 26. Williamson defined his hamstring ailment as “minimal”, but conceded that an elbow niggle is hampering his grip.

Williamson showed excitement ahead of the encounter in Sharjah, a day after New Zealand coach Gary Stead expressed confidence in his availability. On October 17th, the tournament will begin.

“Things are going nicely and as a result, there are no grievances. It’s just been a bit of a slow-burner for a long time and its quite irritating. However, it has significantly improved in the two months since I returned from the World Test Championship. In rehab, everything appears to be moving progressively, which is encouraging, but it will take some time to go back to 100 percent,” Williamson stated.

Williamson said it’s nice to have former bowler Shane Bond on his support staff while talking about his team’s preparations. During the event, Bond will work with the national team’s spinners in particular. “He is really brilliant at what he does”, Willimson added, citing his extensive international experience, notably in UAE with Mumbai Indians in the IPL. “He’ll support our bowling instructor in any way he can, so he’ll be around the group, and he’s a lot of fun”.

Bond, who is serving as the team’s fourth coach, is assisting bowling coach Shane Jurgensen and dealing with the spinners. He was the bowling coach for the Mumbai Indians, who won the IPL five times. According to Williamson, making rapid adjustments is crucial in competitions like the T20 World Cup, where teams face different opponents at different venues..