Experienced New Zealand fast bowler, Tim Southee, is scheduled for surgery this Thursday to address a thumb injury that resulted from a dislocation and fracture during the fourth and final One Day International (ODI) against England. The New Zealand Cricket Board (NZC) made this announcement on Wednesday.
The mishap occurred when the veteran seamer was attempting to take a catch during the ODI match against England last Friday, causing a break and dislocation in his right thumb. A decision regarding Southee’s participation in the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup in India will be made early next week, once the results of the surgical procedure are known.
Head coach Gary Stead expressed optimism about Southee’s recovery, hoping that he can regain fitness in time for the tournament. He stated, “We’re keeping our fingers crossed for Tim’s successful surgery. He will have pins or screws inserted into his right thumb. If the procedure goes well, the key will be ensuring that Tim can manage the pain and handle the wound when he returns to training and playing.”
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New Zealand’s opening game in the World Cup is scheduled for Thursday, October 5th, in Ahmedabad, against England. The team is keen on providing Southee every opportunity to be a part of this World Cup campaign due to his vast experience and significant role in the squad.
Following their 3-1 defeat to England in a four-match ODI series, New Zealand is set to play three ODIs in Bangladesh starting on September 21. Subsequently, they will participate in World Cup warm-up matches, commencing with Pakistan in Hyderabad on Friday, September 29, and followed by a clash with South Africa in Trivandrum on Monday, October 2.
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World Cup players from New Zealand who are not part of the current Bangladesh tour will depart for India from the following Tuesday. New Zealand’s campaign will begin with a match against defending champions England, a rematch of the 2019 final, at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on October 5.
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