With the ODI World Cup 2023 just weeks away from the start, every team is in full swing to get their players ready ahead of the marquee event. However, with so many cricketing action everywhere, injuries are bound to happen. The latest name to be added to the injury list in none other than New Zealand's Tim Southee. (More Cricket News)
The veteran Kiwi fast bowler broke and dislocated his right thumb on Thursday during New Zealand's ODI match against England. Southee injured himself while taking catch in the fourth ODI.
The call on his availability will be taken soon by the New Zealand management.
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New Zealand head coach Gary Stead is hopeful the 34-year-old seamer will recover in time for the side's opening game in the mega event on October 5.
"We've got our fingers crossed the surgery goes well for Tim," Stead said.
"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."
Ahead of their opener against defending champions England, New Zealand are scheduled to take on Pakistan and South Africa in the World Cup warm up matches on September 29 and October 2.
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"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 and we want to give him every chance to be part of this World Cup campaign," said Stead.
Black Caps skipper Kane Williamson is also recovering from a ruptured ACL he suffered during the IPL earlier this year and may not be available for New Zealand's opening game.
Teams can make changes to the 15-player World Cup squad until September 28, post which any changes would need approval from the ICC.
(With PTI inputs)
