Cricket: Kane Williamson replaces David Warner as Sunrisers Hyderabad captain

Kane Williamson will replace David Warner as captain of Hyderabad Sunrisers. Photo / Photosport

David Warner's ball tampering ban has turned into an unexpected opportunity for Kane Williamson.

Williamson has been named as captain of Indian Premier League side SunRisers Hyderabad, replacing Warner after his ban for being part of Australia's ball tampering scandal in their test against South Africa.

Warner was banned for 12 months by Cricket Australia, and he and Steve Smith were both banned from the IPL, meaning the Australian opener lost his lucrative contract with the SunRisers.

His replacement is Williamson, who earlier today had backed the under-fire Warner, explaining that Warner wasn't "a bad guy".

"We spent bit of time together in the IPL. We know each other fairly well.

"I suppose through what's eventuated there's been a lot of emotion and energy pointed at certain players, which has gone to extreme lengths.

"It will blow over in time but it's probably grown and grown. He's not a bad guy."
Williamson, who averaged 42.66 at a strike rate of 151.47 last year in the IPL, said he was excited for the opportunity.

"I've accepted the role to stand in as captain for this season. It's an exciting opportunity with a talented group of players. I look forward to the challenges ahead."

The IPL gets underway next month, with the SunRisers' first game on April 10.

Kane Williamson has been appointed as captain of SunRisers Hyderabad for IPL 2018. pic.twitter.com/b5SMK8086U

— SunRisers Hyderabad (@SunRisers) March 29, 2018