Williamson back training, doubt over Milne

Star batsman Kane Williamson looks to have got over a stomach bug, but paceman Adam Milne remains in doubt for the Black Caps’ last cricket World Cup pool match against Bangladesh.

New Zealand have fielded the same 11 in compiling a 100 per cent record from their five matches so far, with Milne the third seamer behind Tim Southee and Trent Boult.

But the 22-year-old right-armer picked up a shoulder injury making a diving catch against Afghanistan in Napier last Sunday.

Skipper Brendon McCullum said Milne was still feeling a little stiff and sore, and would be assessed again on the morning of the match in Hamilton on Friday.

If Milne is ruled out, it will open the way for either Kyle Mills or Mitch McClenaghan to come into the side.

Williamson was one of three players to be hit by a bug after the win over Afghanistan.

The two others, Daniel Vettori and Grant Elliott, were at training when the squad regathered on Wednesday.

Williamson missed that session, but he arrived for practice on Thursday, with the Black Caps forced inside by rain.

“It’s hard to keep him down too long,” McCullum said.

“He will be indoors for a good three or four hours, no doubt, knowing Kane, but he seems fine.”

Bangladesh, who like New Zealand have already qualified for the quarter-finals, have a selection doubt in their camp as well.

Skipper and pace spearhead Mashrafe Mortaza is battling a sore throat to add to the calf injury he played through in his side’s 15-run win over England in Adelaide on Monday.

A decision on whether he will face the Black Caps will be made on match day.

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