Williamson to miss 2nd Test vs England, THIS player to lead Kiwis

Birmingham: New Zealand captain Kane Williamson will miss the second Test against England to get much-needed rest for his 'irritated' left-elbow, with Tom Latham to lead the side in his absence, the NZC confirmed on Wednesday.

While Latham will lead the Kiwis only for the third time, Will Young has been picked to bat at No.3 in the fixture starting from June 10 at Edgbaston.

New Zealand head coach Gary Stead said it was a tough decision to keep Williamson out but the right one as the New Zealand skipper needed to manage the injury that forced him to miss matches in March this year.

"It's not an easy decision for Kane to have to miss a Test, but we think it's the right one," he said.

"He's had an injection in his elbow to relieve the irritation he's been experiencing when he bats and a period of rest and rehabilitation will help maximise his recovery,'' he added.

Stead also said that the call to give Williamson a chance to rest and recuperate was taken with an eye on the big upcoming fixture against India.

"The decision has been made very much with the ICC World Test Championship Final at Southampton in mind and we are confident he will be ready for that match starting on June 18," the coach said. (UNI)