Kane Williamson will not be available for the BLACKCAPS second Test match against India, as he continues his rehabilitation from a groin strain. 

Williamson, who suffered the injury during the recent Test series against Sri Lanka, will remain in New Zealand to continue working towards full fitness.

BLACKCAPS head coach Gary Stead said that while Williamson was making progress, he wasn’t yet ready to return to Test cricket.

“We’re monitoring Kane and he’s tracking in the right direction, but isn’t yet 100% fit,” said Stead.

“We’re hopeful to see further improvement over the coming days and have him available for the third Test.

“We’ll give him as much time as possible to get himself ready, but certainly continue to take a cautious approach.”

The BLACKCAPS second Test against India begins on Thursday in Pune.