Tim Southee completed surgery and will now travel to India to compete in the ODI World Cup 2023.
New Zealand bowler Tim Southee will join New Zealand’s 2017 ODI World Cup squad as he recovers from surgery for a fractured right thumb. Southee dislocated his finger while attempting a catch during New Zealand’s fourth and final One-Day International (ODI) against England earlier this month at Lord’s. He underwent surgery and will now head to India to compete in the ODI World Cup 2023.
If the 34-year-old recovers in time, it will be Southee’s fourth ODI World Cup debut, following appearances in 2011, 2015, and 2019.
Kyle Jamieson, a fast bowler, will also join the New Zealand squad. He is not officially a member of the 15-man World Cup squad and hence will not be able to participate in any of the warm-up matches.
“Tim Southee has been cleared to join the BLACKCAPS in India later this week as his recovery from surgery on his fractured right thumb continues.” “As a precaution, pace-bowler Kyle Jamieson will train with the World Cup squad in India this week,” New Zealand said in a statement.
The Kiwis are already dealing with injuries, with captain Kane Williamson recovering from a damaged ACL sustained in last season’s Indian Premier League (IPL). While he has been included to the New Zealand World Cup roster, it remains to be seen whether he will be fit to play when the competition begins.
The second batch of Kiwi players and support staff is due to leave Christchurch for India on Wednesday, while a few players from Bangladesh will join the squad.
New Zealand will play two warm-up matches against Pakistan in Hyderabad on September 29 and South Africa in Thiruvananthapuram on October 2.
New Zealand will begin their ODI World Cup 2023 campaign against England in the tournament’s opening match on October 5 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
