After Kane Williamson was ruled out of New Zealand’s first two matches of the ODI World Cup 2023, questions over player fitness and availability are bound to be raised. The Kiwi skipper was cleared ahead of the tournament, but his being ruled out just a week before the ODI World Cup has cast a shadow of doubt over his participation.
However, Williamson isn’t the only one whose participation is in doubt; several stars might miss the event due to fitness, form, or personal reasons. So, here are the players who can miss the World Cup 2023:
Is Kane Williamson playing World Cup 2023?
Kane Williamson is still in contention for the multi-nation event. After getting injured in the IPL 2023 season, Williamson’s comeback seemed difficult and he was also not included in the ODI series against England starting on September 8.
The Kiwis have named Williamson as their skipper in the squad for the World Cup 2023. But after missing New Zealand’s first two games, his playing at his fluent best in the World Cup seems improbable.
New Zealand not ruling out Kane Williamson’s World Cup 2023 return
Will Travis Head miss the World Cup?
Despite suffering a fracture on his left hand, Travis Head has been included in Australia’s World Cup squad.
Head suffered the injury while facing Gerald Coetzee earlier this month. A fast short ball struck Head, but the southpaw batter decided to bat through pain until it became unbearable.
The results of the subsequent X-rays suggest that Head is ruled out of the first half of the World Cup 202 but it won’t be a shock if the opener doesn’t feature in a single match.
Will we see Jofra Archer bowl in World Cup 2023?
Jofra Archer has been riddled with injuries in the past couple of years. After finally recovering earlier in the year, Archer suffered another setback in May while playing in the IPL.
However, Archer is travelling to India as a reserve, giving English fans hope for his return.
Similar to Travis Head, Archer will also be available in the latter half of the tournament.
End of road for Tim Southee?
An injury to his right thumb could be the end of Tim Southee’s World Cup and ODI career.
The right-arm pacer underwent surgery and will join New Zealand in India, but doubts over his fitness remain.
