Kane Williamson provides fitness update ahead of Bangladesh World Cup battle

Chennai: New Zealand captain Kane Williamson is "excited by the prospect" of making his first appearance at Cricket World Cup 2023 following his astonishing ACL recovery.

The skipper fronted up to New Zealand's press conference ahead of their meeting with Bangladesh at the MA Chidambaram Stadium here on Friday, itself the best indication of his return.

The 161-ODI veteran reflected on the journey to match-ready fitness, though was quick to look ahead at the task of taking on Bangladesh, picking up where his teammates left off through two comprehensive victories to begin their campaign.

"It's been quite a journey but largely a good one that's had some really good progress and you know I've said a number of times, (I'm) really excited to be named in the World Cup squad, be sitting here now and really excited at the prospect of tomorrow, which is another big challenge for us," Williamson began.

"A new venue, new opposition, as we know, which always happens in world events. We're looking forward to the challenge," he said.

An appearance in the tournament would complete a remarkable comeback for the 33-year-old, who tore his anterior cruciate ligament in IPL action just six months ago. Williamson missed the first two matches of the tournament against England and the The Netherlands, though did bat in New Zealand’s Cricket World Cup warm-up matches against Pakistan and South Africa.

Williamson detailed the "series of really small steps" to make his miraculous recovery, an ICC report said.

"It certainly started with strength and range in terms of the knee, and then gradually trying to improve that and control a bit," he said.

"And so, yeah, I mean each week throughout the last period of time since I've been, I guess, rehabbing has been really important and really valuable. So, it was nice to get a little bit of that

time in the last week or two and like I say, I look forward to tomorrow as a side," Williamson said.

In other team news, Williamson confirmed Tim Southee is still unavailable for selection with his hand injury, sustained on their tour of England last month. The 34-year-old fast bowler fractured his thumb while fielding in the lead-in series, and will sit out despite "progressing well" in the eyes of his captain.

A win over Bangladesh on Friday would take New Zealand top of the Cricket World Cup 2023 table after their comfortable wins over England and the Netherlands. (UNI)