Delayed start for skipper

Kane Williamson is hoping to be fit to play for Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League from next Saturday, easing any lingering concerns about the state of his left shoulder.

The Black Caps captain said the injury he suffered in the second test against Bangladesh was likely to keep him out of his side’s first match tomorrow.

‘‘I’m in doubt for the first match, but we actually have a fairly decent break between the first and the second match, which should be more than sufficient time for my injury to heal and for me to be available for selection, so that’s exciting.’’

Williamson, who claimed the Sir Richard Hadlee Medal at the New Zealand Cricket awards on Thursday night, said he wasn’t worried about the IPL’s impact on the Black Caps’ preparation for the World Cup.

‘‘People have spoken about preparation for the World Cup for a long time and they’ve spoken about this whole season and playing one-day cricket being preparation, but to me it’s all about the game that you’re in.

‘‘If you’re preparing as well as you can for what’s in front of you, then I think that does help with the next step which might be in front of you, without looking at that next one too closely.

‘‘It is about the cricket you are involved in and the team you are playing in, and after that the focus very much does turn to the World Cup, a different format, one-day cricket, and the warm-up games we have before the competition starting,’’ Williamson said.