New Zealand head coach Gary Stead has expressed optimism regarding Kane Williamson’s rehabilitation and emphasised the management’s cautious approach in overseeing the speed of his recovery process.

Williamson, 33, hasn’t played any cricket since rupturing the ACL in his right knee while playing for Gujarat Titans in the opening match of IPL 2023 against Chennai Super Kings on March 31 in Ahmedabad. He underwent surgery in April and has started training and batting in the nets recently.