The New Zealand cricket team’s preparations for the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup have received a significant boost with the positive news that veteran fast bowler Tim Southee has been given the green light to join the squad in India following successful surgery on his injured thumb.
This development has brought immense relief to the Blackcaps, who had been anxiously monitoring Southee’s recovery since he suffered a dislocated and fractured right thumb during the fourth ODI against England at Lord’s on September 16, 2023.
Recognizing the World Cup’s proximity, Southee wasted no time and underwent surgery on September 20, 2023, in New Zealand, where pins or screws were skillfully inserted into his right thumb. The outcome of the surgery and Southee’s ability to manage pain and tend to his wound would play a pivotal role in determining when he could resume training and competitive play.
Gary Stead, the head coach of the New Zealand team, had expressed optimism about Southee’s rehabilitation, holding onto hope for a successful surgical outcome. Southee’s potential absence from the World Cup squad had loomed as a significant setback due to his leadership within the team and extensive experience.
However, as of the latest update on September 26, 2023, Southee has received medical clearance to rejoin his teammates in India later this week. This development marks a positive turning point in his recovery journey and serves as a major morale booster for the squad, which recently secured a 2-0 series victory in Bangladesh.
Led by Kane Williamson, who himself is making a comeback after a lengthy injury hiatus, the team enters the tournament with renewed confidence. As a precautionary measure, the pace-bowler Kyle Jamieson will also join the World Cup squad in India this week for training, although he won’t be officially part of the World Cup squad and thus ineligible to participate in any warm-up matches.
The Kiwis’ warm-up matches are scheduled against Pakistan and South Africa, leading up to the World Cup opener against England on October 5.
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