In cricket, injuries are often an unwelcome adversary and New Zealand’s seasoned pacer Tim Southee has recently fallen victim to this setback. Southee, who dislocated and fractured his thumb during New Zealand’s final ODI against England, is now facing a race against time to be fit for the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup in India in 2023.
Tim Southee’s injury occurred during a crucial ODI match against England, leaving the cricketing fraternity in New Zealand concerned. The fast bowler dislocated and fractured his thumb during the game at Lord’s, prompting immediate medical attention.
In light of the severity of the injury, Tim Southee has decided to undergo surgery. This decision significantly affects his participation in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. The surgery is expected to address the dislocated and fractured thumb, and the success of this procedure will play a pivotal role in determining Southee’s future on the cricket field.
New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has officially confirmed Tim Southee’s injury and subsequent surgery. In an official statement, NZC stated, “A decision on the senior pace-bowler’s availability for the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup in India will be made early next week once the surgery results are known.” This statement highlights the importance of the surgical outcome in Southee’s World Cup journey.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding Tim Southee’s availability, New Zealand coach Gary Stead remains optimistic about the pacer’s prospects. Stead expressed hope that the surgery would be successful and outlined the potential timeline for Southee’s return. He said, “Our opening game of the World Cup against England is not until October 5 in Ahmedabad, so that would be our logical target regarding his availability.” Stead acknowledged Southee’s invaluable contribution to the team and emphasized the desire to include him in the World Cup campaign.
Southee’s injury is not the only concern for New Zealand as they prepare for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. All-rounder Daryl Mitchell, who also faced a minor finger injury during the same game as Southee, is expected to recover without significantly impacting his participation.
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Another crucial factor is the fitness of Kane Williamson, the ODI captain, who recently underwent surgery to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee. While Williamson is part of the World Cup squad, his return to competitive cricket is still pending.
As New Zealand grapples with these challenges in the lead-up to the Cricket World Cup 2023, the team’s management and medical staff will closely monitor Tim Southee’s progress post-surgery. The warm-up matches against Pakistan and South Africa will provide insights into the team’s preparedness.
