New Zealand pacer bowler Tim Southee will undergo surgery on Thursday, September 21, putting his participation in the upcoming ODI World Cup 2023 in doubt.
Southee had dislocated and fractured his right thumb while attempting to take Joe Root’s catch in the ENG vs NZ 4th ODI played on September 15. The right-arm pacer was seen wincing with pain while leaving the field to get treatment.
BlackCaps coach Gary Stead remained hopeful Southee could recover in time to be available for the tournament.
“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.
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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.”
Tim Southee is the third-highest wicket-taker among Kiwis in ODIs with 214 at an average of 33.60 and has been a part of the last three previous World Cups.
Uncertainty over Southee’s fitness means that New Zealand will have Trent Boult, Matt Henry, and Lockie Ferguson as their pace trio. Former skipper Kane Williamson, who is also returning to the squad after recovering from an ACL injury, is also under speculation regarding his place in the squad.
The BlackCaps will play two tournament warm-up matches starting with Pakistan in Hyderabad on Friday September 29, followed by a meeting with South Africa in Trivandrum on Monday October 2.
The New Zealand-based World Cup players not on the current tour of Bangladesh will depart to India from next Tuesday.
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