ICC World Cup 2023: Tim Southee Will Get Every Chance To Prove Fitness - New Zealand Coach Gary Stead

New Zealand coach Gary Stead has said that Tim Southee will get every chance to prove his fitness ahead of the ICC World Cup 2023. New Zealand pacer Tim Southee injured his right thumb during the 4th ODI against England.

Tim Southee broke a bone in his right thumb during ENG vs NZ 4th ODI. He is part of the New Zealand squad for the ICC World Cup 2023. However, the recovery will take some time so Tim Southee’s availability in ICC World Cup 2023 is in doubt.

Also Read: ENG vs NZ: Huge Blow For New Zealand As Tim Southee, Daryl Mitchell Suffer Injuries Ahead Of ICC World Cup 2023

We’ll Give Every Chance To Tim Southee To Prove Fitness: Gary Stead

While speaking to reporters, New Zealand head coach Gary Stead said that the management will give every chance to Tim Southee to prove his fitness ahead of ICC World Cup 2023.

“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. Until then, we can’t make a call around the World Cup. We’ll want to give Tim every chance of proving his fitness,” said Stead.

Also Read: ENG vs NZ: Trent Boult Creates History, Breaks Richard Hadlee’s Long-Standing Record

Gary Stead also added that Southee’s healing process in the next 10 to 12 days will be very important.

“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,” Stead further said.

Kane Williamson will lead New Zealand in the ICC World Cup 2023. They are the runners-up of the last edition. The BlackCaps will clash with England in the tournament opener on October 5. Below is New Zealand’s squad for the ICC World Cup 2023.

Also Read: ENG vs NZ: New Zealand Coach Gary Stead Wants Ben Stokes To Score Runs Now Rather Than World Cup

Squad: Kane Williamson (C), Trent Boult, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitch Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Will Young.

Meanwhile, New Zealand recently lost an ODI series to England. New Zealand lost 3 games out of 4 to lose the series 3-1. They will now travel to Bangladesh for a three-match ODI series.