New Zealand wait on experienced bowler’s fitness for the Cricket World Cup
Tim Southee injured himself during the fourth ODI against England on 15 September when he went for a catch offered by Joe Root and dived across with both hands. But the ball hit his thumb and deflected to the third man.
New Zealand issued an update on Southee, stating that the pacer's x-ray confirmed a dislocation and fractured bone in his right thumb.
Injury Update | An x-ray has confirmed that Tim Southee dislocated and fractured a bone in his right thumb while attempting to take a catch in the 14th over of the 1st innings. A timeline for his recovery will be established tomorrow when he undergoes further assessment. #ENGvNZ pic.twitter.com/74zT4t9pGc
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) September 15, 2023
However, the Black Caps pacer remains in contention for the upcoming Cricket World Cup.
Speaking to reporters, New Zealand head coach Gary Stead stated that the decision around Southee will depend on his recovery timelines.
“We'll just need to understand the timeframes and what that looks like and once we have that information, we will then be able to move forward and make a decision."
He added that the pacer will be given every chance at proving his fitness.
“We'll want to give Tim, every chance of proving his fitness.
“There will be an element of the unknown being that it's a bone fracture, and at some stage, he will have to start catching balls and bowling again. The healing process in the next 10 to 12 days will be pretty important for him as well.”
New Zealand play a three-game ODI series against Bangladesh before heading to India for the World Cup. They'll feature in warm-ups against Pakistan and South Africa and kick off their World Cup campaign against England on 5 October at Ahmedabad.