Cricket: Injured local hero stays upbeat

Kane Williamson offers some advice to Tauranga Boys' College cricketers at Nicholson Field yesterday. Photo / John Borren

A freak wrist injury will keep local hero Kane Williamson out of today's second ODI between the Black Caps and South Africa at Mount Maunganui's Bay Oval.

The ligament injury suffered during the recent Champions League in India is particularly disappointing for the Tauranga born-and-bred batsman, who misses both games played on his home ground.

"There are all those natural disappointments but it is never nice being injured and missing games and the opportunity to play for your country," Williamson said. "It is a little bit frustrating but it is important to use the time off to benefit you in some ways with potentially a lot of cricket coming up.

"I am looking to build the loads batting more and more, and get that strength back. Hopefully it will be fine in time for the UAE trip to play Pakistan (in November)."

The Bay Oval was lauded by both teams after Tuesday's opening game.

"Having international cricket here at this time of the year is amazing," Williamson said. "The pitch was on the slower side and they will look to make subtle adjustments to improve it, but overall the guys thought it was a pretty good wicket.

"The thought of playing in the Bay is something that doesn't need a second invitation. I know the South African boys and the Black Caps are stoked to be here for a week or so and they have all enjoyed themselves."

South Africa's JP Duminy agrees conditions were excellent for such an early-season fixture. The left-handed batsman scored an unbeaten 58 on Tuesday to help win the game alongside a batting master class of 89 not out from captain AB de Villiers.

"I thought it was a pretty good, decent cricket wicket," said Duminy. "It had good bounce in it and good carry. Maybe in the morning there was a little bit in the wicket, as we saw with Vernon (Philander), and there wasn't much turn that we were expecting."

Williamson, with Black Caps teammates Dean Brownlie and Matt Henry, spent time at Tauranga Boys' College yesterday, giving out tips to an enthusiastic group of young cricketers.

Williamson was head boy and First XI cricket captain at the school where he honed his hunger for run scoring.

"I always enjoy coming back to the school and it is nice to get the opportunity while there is international cricket in the area to bring a couple of the other players along and give the younger boys a buzz," Williamson said.