The New Zealand cricket team has faced another setback with the probable absence of Tim Southee in the upcoming 2023 World Cup opener against England. This crucial match is scheduled for Thursday, October 5th, at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. However, the coach of Kiwi Gary Stead is optimistic for Southee playing the opener against England.
The veteran pacer from New Zealand Tim Southee sustained a thumb injury during the fourth One Day International (ODI) against England at Lord’s and after that went for a surgery. Despite his arrival in India ahead of the World Cup opener, it appears that the right-arm seamer has not completely recovered and is not in peak physical condition. Additionally, the New Zealand team will be missing their regular captain, Kane Williamson as he is recovering from a knee injury.
While speaking ahead of the game against England, Stead said,”Tim arrived with the team a few days ago now. He had a very light bowl yesterday down at the ground. He’s still just working through the wound on his thumb but things are looking good. I’m hoping in the next match that he’ll be available for selection.”
Tim Southee holds the remarkable record of the fourth-highest wicket-taker for New Zealand in World Cup history with 34 wickets in 18 matches at an impressive average of 25.11. One of his most remarkable performances came in the 2015 edition, where he recorded figures of 9 overs, 33 runs conceded, and a stunning 7 wickets against England.
In the first match of the ODI World Cup, defending champion England will face New Zealand on October 5 at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad.
