Williamson inches closer to bowling return post promising preliminary action analysis

New Zealand batsman Kane Williamson's return to the bowling crease got a step closer following promising reports from a preliminary analysis of his action in Brisbane.

New Zealand coach Mike Hesson said that Williamson had a practice test three weeks ago under the eyes of International Cricket Council (ICC)-accredited human movement specialists at the National Cricket Centre (NCC) in Brisbane. He added that it was the same as the proper testing.

Hesson said that they sent Williamson over there and once they get that result and they are fully satisfied, then they would get him back to get tested as soon as possible. He added that it is just preliminary at the moment, but it's promising, Stuff.co.nz reported.

Hesson said that they would wait till they can book in proper testing, but added that Williamson has made massive changes to his action. He also said that he was confident Williamson would be cleared to bowl again.

Williamson was reported for a suspect action after the second test against West Indies in June.

The question now is when New Zealand resubmit Williamson for testing, given the squad leaves on Thursday for Dubai for a series against Pakistan that runs till the week before Christmas. It is a calculated gamble for the World Cup starting in February.

If Williamson returns to the bowling crease, it could mean the end of the Jimmy Neesham experiment as an opener, the report added.