New Zealand captain Kane Williamson has been ruled out of the second Test against England.
The Black Caps announced late on the eve of the match at Trent Bridge, which starts this morning, that their influential skipper and leading batsman had tested positive for Covid-19.
Williamson was said to have experienced mild symptoms and will now self-isolate for five days, missing the entirety of the Test as World Test champions New Zealand look to bounce back from their Joe Root-inspired opening five-wicket defeat at Lord’s last weekend.
His place in the team will be taken by experienced opener Hamish Rutherford, who had been playing for the Leicestershire Foxes in the T20 Vitality Blast, with vice-captain Tom Latham leading the side in Nottingham.
“It’s such a shame for Kane to be forced to withdraw on the eve of such an important match,” said New Zealand coach Gary Stead.
“We’re all feeling for him at this time and know how disappointed he will be.”
New Zealand hope Williamson will be able to return for the third and final Test in the series against England, which begins at Headingley on June 23.
