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New Zealand captain Kane Williamson will have to overcome an elbow complaint to face Australia in the Twenty20 series.
New Zealand's captain fantastic Kane Williamson is in a race against time to face Australia in the Twenty20 series beginning later this month.
The Black Caps face Australia in five T20 clashes beginning in Christchurch on February 22.
The world's No.1 ranked Test batsman is a more likely starter than not, but will miss the final round of the domestic T20 season this weekend with a left elbow complaint.
"There's some inflammation in a tendon in my elbow ... we're hoping that it's just sort of a week thing to settle down," Williamson said on Thursday.
While injured, the 30-year-old is soaking up time with his seven-week-old daughter at home, preparing for a marathon stint abroad.
New Zealand's qualification for the World Test Championship (WTC) - which was confirmed on Wednesday when Australia pulled out of their Test series in South Africa - means Williamson is set for an incredible nine-month overseas tour.
Williamson has signed up for the Indian Premier League, due to start in April, before NZ's two Tests in England and the WTC final in June and July.
He's planning to stay in Britain for The Hundred competition, helping him tune up for short-form tours of Bangladesh and Pakistan and the T20 World Cup in India.
With two Tests in India coming after that competition, it could be that Williamson leaves home next month and doesn't return until Christmas.
"It could be nine months or maybe more. It's a challenge," he said.
"This day and age with COVID restrictions and quarantine ... it's an interesting time."
Like everyone involved in NZ cricket, Williamson is buzzing to play in the WTC final, but he maintains his focus is on the next challenge: the visit of Australia.
The touring squad, named before the abandonment of the South Africa series, does not include Test stars but Williamson says that doesn't mean they'll be weaker.
"It's really exciting new talent they're bringing over," he said.
"The depth in that country runs deep. They'll have a very strong side."
