Kane Williamson ruled out of New Zealand's five-match T20 series against England with hip injury
Tim Southee will captain the side in Williamson’s stead
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Your support makes all the difference.New Zealand captain Kane Williamson has been ruled out of the five-match T20 International series against England.
The batsman has been rested from the fixtures as he continues to deal with a hip injury.
Bowler Tim Southee will captain the Blackcaps during the series, which begins on November 1 in Christchurch.
"We've been monitoring the injury for a while now and it's the same issue that ruled him out of the final Test against Bangladesh back in March," coach Gary Stead explained.
"It's disappointing timing for Kane at the start of an exciting Kiwi summer, but we feel it's the right decision with a busy season ahead.
"We're fortunate to have someone experienced like Tim who can comfortably step in and take the reins, as he successfully did on the recent tour of Sri Lanka."
Fast bowler Lockie Ferguson has been included in a 13-man squad for the first three matches of the series after recovering from a broken thumb.
Ferguson will be replaced by left-armer Trent Boult for the final two matches.
England yesterday announced that Sam Billings would serve as Eoin Morgan's vice-captain for the series.
"It's great to get some recognition and it's a huge honour," Billings said after his appoitment was confirmed.
"It's a great opportunity to be recognised as a developing leader. And there's an element of personal development about it, too.
"I captained the England Lions last winter and my county for the last two years. Eoin gave me a call a couple of weeks ago and said he'd love me to do it. I suppose he must see something in me. I'm looking forward to learning form him and implanting what I've done at Kent.
"But I'm in the side as a batsman first and foremost and then as a keeper. You have to be able to perform at that top level consistently in those roles firstly. The captaincy is an added bonus and one I really enjoy. It makes you take responsibility for yourself and other guys."
Billings and Morgan will both play in England's first warm-up game against a strong New Zealand XI on Sunday.
The team named also includes new faces in the form of flamboyant opening batsman Tom Banton and fast-bowling duo Saqib Mahmood and Pat Brown.
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