Williamson hit by bug ahead of second Test

New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson was, on Thursday, hit by a bug, compounding the visiting team’s misery, but opener Tom Latham sounded optimistic about the batsman’s availability in the second Test against India beginning on Friday.

“Kane is a little bit crook today (Thursday) so he won’t be training,” the New Zealand opening batsman said. Asked about the discomfort, Latham said: “He’s just down with a bug. Nothing too major. He’s just resting so as to be fit by tomorrow (Friday).”

Williamson, who is the No. 2 Test batsman, scored 75 and 25 in the first Test and is someone who can tackle spin bowling with ease. The touring team already has three players in the injured list — Tim Southee, James Neesham and Mark Craig — and it would be a big blow if the skipper also fails to make the playing XI.

Meanwhile Friday’s match may see the comeback of Jeetan Patel, who last played a Test in January 2013. The 36-year-old off-spinner, who was the leading wicket taker for Warwickshire with 69 scalp, has been flown in from England after Craig sustained an injury during the opening Test in Kanpur.

But Latham said they’re taking it easy and hoping to bounce back.

On his maiden trip to India, Latham said he was amazed by response for a cricket Test in India. “I haven’t seen such a big gathering for a media conference before. It’s great to see the passion and support for the sport in this part of the world. I am sure there will be lot of people at the ground tomorrow (Friday),” he added.