27 Feb 2018

Williamson in doubt for second England game

2:59 pm on 27 February 2018

The Black Caps could be without skipper Kane Willamson for their second one day cricket international against England in Mt Maunganui on Wednesday night.

Williamson has a minor hamstring strain and Auckland batsman Mark Chapman called into the squad as cover.

If Williamson doesn't play Tim Southee will lead the side.

There will have to be plenty of big hitting from Kane Williamson and the Black Caps if they're beat Australia in the tri-series final.

There will have to be plenty of big hitting from Kane Williamson and the Black Caps if they're beat Australia in the tri-series final. Photo: Photosport

"It's a day by day thing and he's going to have to prove his fitness," said coach Mike Hesson.

"If he proves his fitness then he will definitely play. He's had a few little niggles over the past couple of months but (this is not related to them) and is just a mild hamstring strain."

Williamson hasn't been in the best of form this summer in the short format of the game.

In the five match T20 series against England and Australia Williamson had only one score in double figures, making 72 against England in Wellington.

He also struggled in the opening match of the one day series against England making only 8 off 23 balls in New Zealand's narrow three wicket win.

-RNZ