New Zealand Cricket (NZC) announced that Kane Williamson will lead the team today in the absence of regular captain Ross Taylor while a knee injury has ruled out all-rounder Jacob Oram.
Williamson first represented the BLACKCAPS in ODI cricket in August 2010 before his Test debut in November 2010 while his Twenty20 International career started in October 2011.
The young batsman is not new to captaincy, having led the New Zealand Under 19 side in 2008 and, although just 21 years old, has had experience captaining English county side Gloucestershire.
Jacob Oram’s sustained a knee injury during yesterday’s Twenty20 and it has not healed sufficiently to be considered for selection for the today’s match.
New Zealand Cricket Physiotherapist Paul Close said: “After reassessing Jake’s knee strain it is clear he has not fully recovered.
“He will sit out today’s match but we’re confident he’ll be ready to return for the start of the ODI series.”
Ross Taylor (shoulder injury) and Roneel Hira (dislocated finger) were ruled out yesterday. ODI squad member, Tarun Nethula, has arrived and will be available to field if necessary.
The side for the second Twenty20 International will be selected from:
Kane Williamson (c), Doug Bracewell, Dean Brownlie, Andrew Ellis, Daniel Flynn, Martin Guptill, Tom Latham, Nathan McCullum, Kyle Mills, Rob Nicol, Tim Southee, BJ Watling
Today’s second Twenty20 International against the West Indies, in Florida, starts at 6.00am NZ Time and will be broadcast live on Sky TV. Fans can also follow the match on blackcaps.co.nz.
