Last Updated on 6 months ago by Charbel Coorey

Kane Williamson will not feature in the upcoming home T20I series against England, but the former New Zealand skipper is eyeing a return for the subsequent ODI leg later this month. Williamson, 35, who returned to the country on Thursday, last appeared for New Zealand in the Champions Trophy final against India in Dubai in March this year.

Williamson is among a group of players on casual contracts. The veteran batter had earlier opted out of the three-match T20I series against Australia and the Zimbabwe tour to honour his county commitments with Middlesex, where he participated in the Hundred and County Championship.

Kane Williamson dealing with “medical issue”, should be ready for England ODIs

Head coach Rob Walter confirmed that Williamson had been dealing with a “minor medical issue” over the past month. “He’s obviously a world-class player and we’re hoping these two weeks will ensure he’s ready for the ODIs against England and the following tour by West Indies,” Walter said, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

Mitchell Santner, returning from abdominal surgery, will lead the Black Caps in the white-ball leg, while fast bowler Ben Sears has been ruled out due to a left-hamstring tear sustained during training. The MRI results indicate a recovery period of three to four weeks.

Meanwhile, allrounder Rachin Ravindra is set to make his comeback after missing the Australia T20Is with a facial injury sustained during fielding drills at Bay Oval. Among other players, Finn Allen is dealing with a foot injury. Adam Milne (ankle injury), Will O’Rourke (back), Glenn Phillips (groin), and Lockie Ferguson (hamstring) remain sidelined.

Wrist-spinner Ish Sodhi, despite recently becoming New Zealand’s most-capped T20I player, has been left out. Ravindra will join Santner and Michael Bracewell as the team’s primary spin options, with Mark Chapman providing part-time left-arm support.

Great to have Mitch Santner back – Walter

“It’s great to have Mitch back,” Walter said. “Alongside being our leader, he’s one of the very best white-ball spinners in the world and his skills and experience will be a welcome addition. Likewise, it’s nice to welcome back Rachin, who was unlucky to miss out on Australia and I know he is really excited for this series.”

The selectors have retained Kyle Jamieson, Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, and seasoned all-rounder Jimmy Neesham. Neesham, who impressed with figures of 4 for 26 in Mount Maunganui against Australia, has set his sights on representing New Zealand in the 2026 T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.

“I want to win a World Cup for New Zealand and that’s the reason I’m still playing and I’m still available,” Neesham said at his press conference after the third T20I against Australia. “It’s a very, very clear goal of mine. What happens with selection in the six months leading up to the tournament is beyond my control. But no, I’ll just stay ready. If I’m in the squads or not leading up to the tournament, I’ll just take that in my stride and try and provide performances as best as I can when I’m selected in most teams.”

The T20I series begins on October 18 at Hagley Oval in Christchurch, followed by matches on October 20 (Christchurch) and October 23 (Auckland). The ODI series will run from October 26 to November 1.