New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson will miss the second Test against England starting at Edgbaston in Birmingham from Thursday as he rests his irritated left-elbow.

Williamson has been managing the injury since first missing matches in March and coach Gary Stead said it was still troubling him.

“It’s not an easy decision for Kane to have to miss a Test, but we think it’s the right one,” he said.

“He’s had an injection in his elbow to relieve the irritation he’s been experiencing when he bats and a period of rest and rehabilitation will help maximise his recovery.

“The decision has been made very much with the ICC World Test Championship Final at Southampton in mind and we are confident he will be ready for that match starting on June 18.”

Tom Latham will captain the side for the third time in Williamson’s absence, while Will Young comes into the starting XI and will bat at number three.

The New Zealand captain had recently said that he is eagerly looking forward to the much-anticipated ICC World Test Championship final between his team and India.

"The two Tests against England before the WTC final are important matches and ones the guys are looking forward to. But naturally, there is a carrot at the end that has taken a long time to, I suppose, to accumulate points and have the opportunity to be involved in it. To get that chance is exciting and the guys know it. You know it's sort of the third Test match of the mini-series I suppose, and they are really excited to be involved," Williamson had told ICC in an interview ahead of the series against England.