Illness keeps Williamson at home

Tauranga's Kane Williamson has remained home for an undetermined period while his New Zealand cricket colleagues left Auckland yesterday for India and the upcoming World Cup.

The 20-year-old batsman has been advised against flying because of a chest infection.

New Zealand Cricket said Williamson would undergo treatment for the infection "with the possibility of flying in the coming days".

Williamson's illness has thrown further doubt on his involvement in the World Cup, particularly the Black Caps' two warmup games.

It is anticipated the first choice XI will play against both Ireland on Saturday, and against India on Wednesday, before their opening World Cup group game against Kenya on February 20.