Black Caps captain Williamson ruled out of opening two India ODIs

Hamilton, February 4: New Zealand captain Kane Williamson will miss the opening two games in the ODI series against India due to a shoulder injury.

Williamson continues to battle an inflamed AC joint in his left shoulder suffered during the third Twenty20 of the five-game series, which India swept 5-0.

The star batsman is still dealing with the injury, leading to the Black Caps calling up Mark Chapman – who has played five 50-over matches for New Zealand – to the squad.

"Kane has had an X-ray scan which cleared him of anything serious, but it's best for his recovery that he avoids aggravating the joint for the next few days," Black Caps team physio Vijay Vallabh said in a statement on Tuesday (February 4).

"He will continue his fitness training sessions throughout the week and will start batting again on Friday with the prospect of being available for game three next Tuesday."

Tom Latham will now lead the side at Seddon Park and Eden Park #NZvIND https://t.co/IQUlt6jSPp

— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) February 3, 2020

Tom Latham will captain New Zealand, with the opening game of the series set for Hamilton on Wednesday (February 5).

Chapman, meanwhile, has scored 160 ODI runs at an average of 40, although most of those came against the United Arab Emirates in 2015 before he struggled against England two years ago.

"It's disappointing for Kane, but with so much important cricket still ahead this summer we must take a safety first approach," New Zealand selector Gavin Larsen said.

"It's great to welcome Mark back into the one-day unit off the back of consecutive centuries for New Zealand A against a strong India A side.

"Mark's a versatile player who can cover multiple batting positions and his fielding is a real upshot to have in the squad."