New Zealand's veteran pacer Tim Southee is set to undergo surgery on Thursday, September 20, following a thumb dislocation and fracture he sustained during the team's final ODI against England. The injury has cast a shadow over his participation in the imminent ICC Cricket World Cup in India. A definitive decision regarding his availability will be made early next week, post-surgery.
Kiwis coach Gary Stead expressed optimism about Southee's potential recovery in time for the prestigious tournament. “We’ve got our fingers crossed 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," Stead remarked.
With the ODI World Cup opening match against England scheduled for Thursday, October 5 in Ahmedabad, the team is eyeing this date as a feasible target for Southee's return. Stead further emphasised Southee's significance to the team, stating, “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.”
In preparation for the World Cup, the Kiwis have two warm-up matches lined up. They will first face Pakistan in Hyderabad on Friday, September 29, followed by a clash with South Africa in Trivandrum on Monday, October 2.
Meanwhile, the New Zealand-based World Cup players, who are not part of the ongoing Bangladesh tour, are scheduled to leave for India from the upcoming Tuesday.
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