Not a great time for New Zealand cricket team supporters as their pace bowler Tim Southee sustained a fracture on his thumb. Yes, you heard it right, black clouds are swirling on Tim Southee’s hope of playing in World Cup 2023. A final decision will be taken soon over Tim Southee’s selection in the final squad of the World Cup. As per the reports, the pace bowler will have thumb surgery after he injured his thumb last week while playing against England. Since Tim Southee fractured his thumb, questions about his availability in the World Cup are swirling in people’s minds. But the New Zealand cricket team is still hoping that their most experienced bowler will come back stronger and join the squad on time. Do you know what is the deadline for submitting the final list of World Cup Squad? If not, continue reading this article. Scroll down.
Tim Southee’s Thumb Injury Explained
Last week, Tim Southee was playing against England when he dislocated the thumb of his bowling hand. He injured his right thumb while trying to take a catch of Engald’s Joe Root while standing at slip. The match between England and New Zealand was being played at the home of cricket, Lord’s. The bowl approached Tim Southee with a blink-eye speed and dislocated his thumb.
According to the reports, Tim Southee will undergo surgery on September 21, 2023, Thursday. Therefore, his selection in the World Cup squad will be reviewed by the New Zealand Cricket Board. Following his surgery, Tim Southee will take a call on his availability in the ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2023. Head coach of the New Zealand cricket team Gary Stead said, “We’ve got our fingers crossed that the surgery goes well for Tim. 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.”
Will Tim Southee Be Available For ICC ODI World Cup 2023?
New Zealand will play its first in the ODI World Cup against England on Thursday, October 5, 2023. The inaugural match of the tournament will be played between New Zealand and England in Ahmedabad. Therefore, head coach Gary Stead said “So that would be our logical target in terms of his availability.” He further added, “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.”
