Blackcaps white-ball skipper Kane Williamson has been cleared for selection for the upcoming World Cup one-day tournament in India.
The master batter has been battling a serious knee injury, suffered during the Indian Premier League in Martch, with grave doubts over his availability for next year's world showpiece.
Williamson, 33, has travelled with the national team for their limited-overs tour of England to continue his recovery, but coach Gary Stead confirms his fitness has reached a level where he can be included in the 15-man squad.
"Kane has applied phenomenal dedication to his rehabilitation and has been supported by a strong group of experts around him," said Stead. "He's left no stone unturned in trying to get back playing cricket at the highest level.
"We are delighted to be in a place to select him. At the same time, he's also kept perspective about his recovery, and hasn’t wanted to rush or force his way back too early.
"As we’ve previously said, it's great he wants to play cricket for New Zealand in the long term."
Williamson's return to play doesn't necessarily mean he will be available for the team's opening match against England on October 5.
"As we’ve said throughout this process, we want to give Kane every bit of available time to aid his recovery," said Stead. "The World Cup is not a short tournament and we will continue to monitor his progress over the next month ahead of the first tournament match."
Join Newshub at 5am Wednesday for live updates of the fourth Blackcaps v England T20
More to come
