New Zealand vice captain Kane Williamson has been ruled out of the next two One-Day Internationals (ODIs) of the ongoing series against Sri Lanka with a shoulder injury.
The news comes as a jolt to the Black Caps after the 24-year-old's prolific form in the Test match series where against the same opponents he scored a match-winning 242 not out. He is to be replaced by Ross Taylor, reports cricket.com.au.
Coach Mike Hesson has stated Williamson aggravated the injury while diving in the field during the Boxing Day Test, landing awkwardly on his left side, and will be out for up to 10 days.
The coach also added that this was a perfect time to rest his shoulders and be absolutely fit for the World Cup.
"It's a chance to rehab his shoulder so it doesn't inconvenience him later in the year," Hesson said.
"He's fine. At some stage, he was probably going to have a break over the next month or so and this has just been forced due to the fact he has had these knocks."
New Zealand will face Sri Lanka in the second ODI Jan 15 in Hamilton.
