With only 15 days before the ICC men’s World Cup 2023, the availability of the New Zealand player Tim Southee for the tournament will be decided after the surgery for his fractured thumb.
Tim Southee’s race for fitness ahead of World Cup 2023
New Zealand Cricket team lost their four-match ODI series against England where the former team sustained three major injuries in the match. This leads to a setback for the side before the ICC Men’s World Cup tournament in India which is set to begin on October 5.
Out of the injuries list, the fast bowler Tim Southee’s thumb injury concerns the side which he sustained while attempting a catch in the 14th over of the fourth ODI match last Friday where he was sidelined. On this occasion, the injury raised questions about his availability for the marquee tournament.
The head coach Gary Stead said that the return of the player before the big tournament would be decided with the reports after the surgery.
Despite many injuries that concerns the team, Stead is confident about Tim Southee’s return within the time left.
“We’ve got our fingers crossed the surgery goes well for Tim,” said Stead. “He’ll have some pins or screws inserted in his right thumb and, providing the procedure is a success, it will be a matter of ensuring Tim can tolerate the pain and manage the actual wound when returning to train and play.”
“Our opening game of the World Cup against England is not until Thursday, October 5 in Ahmedabad, so that would be our logical target in terms of his availability. Tim’s obviously a hugely experienced and important figure in our team. We want to give him every chance to be part of this World Cup campaign,” he concluded.
New Zealand is also mindful about the return of Kane Williamson after his ACL injury in his right knee. He is part of the World Cup squad despite being sidelined from action since his injury.
New Zealand is set to play a three-match ODI series against Bangladesh which is scheduled to play between September 21 and 26. Since New Zealand’s main squad does not participate in the ODI series against Bangladesh they are set to travel to India next Tuesday.
The Blackcaps will be facing Pakistan on September 29 at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad, and South Africa on October 2 at Greenfield International Stadium in the warmup games before the World Cup 2023.
