Kane Williamson injures shoulder, doubtful for third Test and IPL

Wellington: Kane Williamson, the New Zealand captain, is a doubt for the third and final Test against Bangladesh, starting on March 16, after sustaining a shoulder injury on the third day of the Wellington Test.

MRI scans confirmed that Williamson had a grade one tear to the pectoral minor muscle in his left shoulder, and the hosts are considering the "safe approach" in resting their captain for the Christchurch Test, having already secured an unassailable 2-0 lead.

Williamson sustained the injury while fielding at gully on Saturday last, and showed signs of discomfort while batting on the fourth day. He didn't take the field in the final session on Monday, and was taken for scans at a hospital. He was on the sidelines on the final day as well, with Tim Southee taking over captaincy duties,an ICC report today said.

Should Williamson be sidelined, Will Young, the uncapped 26-year-old batsman, is likely to step in. "Kane is obviously keen to play this final game, but we'll look to take a safety-first approach, particularly with the World Cup on the horizon," said Gary Stead, the New Zealand coach.

"Will Young has been in our Test squad as batting cover for the past two series. He should be confident following some strong performances domestically and for New Zealand A," he said.

 BJ Watling, the New Zealand wicket-keeper, is also an injury doubt after he hurt his hamstring during warm-ups on the fifth morning. Peter Bocock, the Northern Districts XI wicket-keeper, earned a surprise call-up and played his part in New Zealand's innings-and-12-run win.

"BJ has a minor left hamstring strain and we felt it was best he didn't keep today to give him the best chance of being fit for the third Test," added Stead. (UNI)