Captain Kane Williamson might miss this week's third Test against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground due to illness.
If Williamson does not play, the individual batting markets for the SCG Tests will be blown wide open. Williamson is backed at 3.50 with Bet365 to score the most runs for New Zealand in the first innings. His absence would really open things up for the likes of Tom Latham (4.50), Ross Taylor (4.50) and Jeet Ravel (6.50) to be among the more popular cricket betting markets for New Zealand in the third Test.
“Kane is obviously a great leader amongst this group and he's passionate about this group, so I'm sure if there's any chance of him playing, even if it is a small chance, he'll certainly be playing. It's gone around the team a little bit which obviously isn't ideal but fingers crossed, they're resting up today and hopefully they'll wake up and be good to go,” said Latham.
“If we lost those guys it would be disappointing but we've got a squad of 15 who are passionate about this team, and whatever side we do play has the backing of the whole group that it's the right team for the job.”
Who will lead if Williamson does not play?
Latham will captain New Zealand if Williamson does not play and would obviously like to ensure New Zealand avoid a three-nil whitewash to Australia. The Kiwis lost the first Test in Perth by 296 runs and the second at the Melbourne Cricket Ground by 247 runs. The outright Dafabet cricket markets have NZ tipped at 10.00 to win the third Test. Australia are at 1.33 and a draw 5.00.
“We haven't played our best brand of cricket and I know the guys are excited about getting out there over the next five days and trying to put a good performance on the board. Yes, the series is lost but it's the Test Championship and points are up for grabs. We'll be doing our best to put a good performance out there,” added Latham.
