Shoulder injury puts Kane Williamson in doubt for third Test

New Zealand captain Kane Williamson has a grade one tear to his left pectoral minor muscle, and is in doubt for the third Test against Bangladesh. An MRI scan on Tuesday morning confirmed the extent of the injury, which he suffered while fielding on the third morning of the second Test in Wellington. Williamson was seen struggling with the left shoulder while batting on the fourth day.

Head coach Gary Stead said Williamson would travel with the team to Christchurch where further assessments would be carried out ahead of the third and final Test, starting on Saturday at Hagley Oval.

Talking about BJ Watling, who hurt his hamstring while warming up on the fifth morning, Stead said the wicketkeeper-batsman had been kept away from the action so that he is fit for the third Test.

"Kane is obviously keen to play this final game, but we'll look to take a safety-first approach, particularly with the World Cup on the horizon," Stead said. "BJ has a minor left hamstring strain and we felt it was best he didn't keep today to give him the best chance of being fit for the third Test."

A decision on any replacement players for the 13-man squad would be made at the conclusion of the latest round of the Plunket Shield. But Stead hinted that Will Young, who is in the New Zealand Test squad, could make his Test debut if Williamson is unable to play.

"Will has been in our Test squad as batting cover for the past two series and he should be confident following some strong performances domestically and for New Zealand A," Stead said.