Tim Southee’s availability for Cricket World Cup 2023 will be made next week after the fast bowler elected to undergo surgery for a dislocated and fractured thumb he sustained on New Zealand’s tour of England.
New Zealand Cricket confirmed the news on Wednesday afternoon after Southee sustained the injury in the final ODI on Saturday at Lord’s, and the 34-year-old’s selection will likely be determined by doctors after evaluating the success of the procedure.
With the team sweating on a number of injuries, coach Gary Stead is hopeful Southee can recover in time.
“We’ve got our fingers crossed the surgery goes well for Tim,” Stead began.
“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.” (ICC)