"It's disappointing not to have Kane over here" - Tom Latham confirms ace batter's absence for 1st IND-NZ 2024 Test

New Zealand captain Tom Latham confirmed ace batter Kane Willamson's absence from the first Test against India while expressing his disappointment. The Blackcaps will take on India in a three-Test series, starting with the opener in Bengaluru on October 16.

Williamson sustained a groin injury just days before the first India Test, making him doubtful for the remainder of the series. He played in the recent two-match Test series in Sri Lanka, which the Kiwis lost 2-0.

Speaking to the reporters on the eve of the first Test against India, Latham said as quoted by India Today:

"Its disappointing not to have Kane (Williamson) over here. Will Young will play tomorrow. He has been part of the squad for a long time. He has batted from opening to playing at number 3-4. It's an opportunity to put his hands up, he has performed well in the past."

Will Young has played 16 Tests for New Zealand, including both matches in the side's previous tour of India in 2021.

However, he averages only 26.55 in Tests overall and 28.75 in his two Tests in India.

---

"It's a huge exciting privilege for me to be in this position" - Tom Latham

Latham will look to help New Zealand overturn their dismal Test record in India [Credit: Getty]

Tom Latham acknowledged that leading New Zealand in Tests is a privilege even with the burden of massive responsibilities.

Following their disastrous tour of Sri Lanka, Tim Southee relinquished captaincy and was replaced by Latham at the helm. The 32-year-old has previously led the side in nine Tests, including the second Test of their 2021 tour of India in which they suffered a 372-run defeat.

"It's a huge exciting privilege for me to be in this position, if I am a captain or not a captain, I always try to perform my best for the team and that is certainly not going to be different being captain. Yes there is a more responsibility, but I have been in this situation before and have captained here before and back at home as well so I am excited to get into things and looking forward to it," said Latham.

Latham boasts a mixed record as Test captain, winning four out of his nine games. Meanwhile, New Zealand have a dismal record in Tests in India, winning only two out of their 36 matches and none since the 1988/89 tour.