Follow UsWorld Test Champions, New Zealand, were dealt with a severe blow on the eve of the second Test as their skipper, Kane Williamson, was ruled out of the Test after testing positive for Covid-19.
After experiencing minor symptoms, the right-handed batter undertook a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) during the day and will now begin five days of isolation, coach Gary Stead said.
The rest of the New Zealand squad returned negative tests.
New Zealand are languishing in the bottom half of the points table and were in dire need of their skipper to find some form and guide the inexperienced batting unit of the team.
Opening batter, Tom Latham will take over as the captain of the team and Hamish Rutherford has been called into the squad as Williamson's replacement.
"It's such a shame for Kane to be forced to withdraw on the eve of such an important match," Stead said.
"We're all feeling for him at this time and know how disappointed he will be," he further added.
Rutherford, who last played Test cricket seven years ago, is already in England playing Twenty20 cricket for the Leicestershire Foxes.
After recording a five-wicket win against New Zealand at the Home of Cricket, the two sides will lock horns in the second Test on Friday, June 10, at Trent Bridge in Nottingham.
(With inputs from AFP)