Kane Williamson is still dealing with the affects of ACL surgery in 2023. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Black Caps skipper Kane Williamson's long journey back to full fitness is not quite complete.
Williamson returns to international cricket on Friday night to lead New Zealand in the first of five T20I's against Pakistan in Auckland after sitting out the recent series against Bangladesh.
After making a miraculous return from ACL surgery in time for the Cricket World Cup, Williamson said he is still managing the affects of the injury.
"I felt really fortunate to be at the World Cup, but at the same time, it's a bit of a long term healing process and that's okay. You keep doing the work and it will nice to be back getting involved in the series and I know the whole team are looking forward to the occasion."
Having also undergone elbow surgery in 2022, Williamson said he has learnt not to rush returns.
"Certainly the elbow was really frustrating and there was sort of nothing definitive in terms of the process to get back or how long it might take, the knee was different in that respect. It's about accepting that it is what it is so when the time comes you're ready."
The 33-year-old will sit out the third T20I in Dunedin in order to reduce his time travelling on a plane.
"It's tough, you sort of get back to playing and naturally the mindset is that it's done and dusted. And actually you get a tap on the shoulder and there's work to do to maintain and keep working through. It's still relatively early although i've been playing so it's just part of a plan to keep the knee strong."
Williamson said the series offers the ideal opportunity for players to stake their claim for a World Cup spot.
He is one of a number of players set to return for the five match series starting Friday, and says the squad is building serious depth ahead of June's T20 World Cup.
Pakistan's captain Shaheen Shah Afridi and New Zealand's captain Kane Williamson with the trophy prior to the first T20 cricket match between New Zealand and Pakistan. Photo: Photosport
He said competition for positions only helps performance.
"It's a really healthy thing. I think the fact that so many guys have been getting different opportunities. Guys are playing cricket around the world in strong competitions ultimately, that's building the depth of our game."
Pakistan come into the series on the back of a 3-0 test series loss to Australia.
But Williamson said recent red ball form counts for little as Pakistan always pose a formidable threat in T20's.
"Pakistan is always a fantastic opportunity. They are consistently one of the best teams in the world and in all conditions, so to have them to have them here in our backyard and having another contest is great."
Williamson said the sides have become very familiar with each other in recent years.
"We played a tri-series series prior to the last World Cup. They won that and they obviously went a long way in that competition as well and so we know how strong they are as a team."
Pakistan will welcome a new captain for the series in pace bowler Shaheen Afridi who replaces Babar Azam.
Afridi said, much like he does with the ball, he will look to execute an aggressive style as skipper.
"It's very exciting challenge and proud moment for me to represent Pakistan. Not easy, first time captaincy, new challenge and in New Zealand. We have a very good track record against New Zealand but they are one of the best teams in the world so we'll try to do our best."
He said he and his bowlers will need to be as accurate as possible as they contend with the unique dimensions of Eden Park.
"As fast bowler I think the straight boundary is very, very small. It's not easy. I'm always trying to bowl fuller but for me now I also think that is not easy. The square boundary is bigger. So hopefully as a bowling unit we can use that."
The Black Caps first T20 against Pakistan in Auckland gets underway at 7.10pm Friday evening.
Head coach Gary Stead with New Zealand's Kane Williamson at a training session prior to the first T20 cricket match between New Zealand and Pakistan at Eden Park in Auckland. Photo: Photosport
