ICC World Cup 2023: Tim Southee's Participation In ICC World Cup 2023 Doubtful After Pacer Suffers Thumb Fracture

New Zealand veteran Tim Southee is in a race against time to be fit for the upcoming ICC World Cup 2023 after suffering a fractured hand during the fourth and final ODI against England at Lord’s.

The right-arm pacer dislocated and fractured a bone in his right thumb while attempting to take a catch in the 14th over of England’s innings. On the final ball of the over, Tim Southee made a diving attempt while stationed at gully. He not only failed to catch the ball but also ended up copping a painful blow on his thumb in the process. Tim Southee walked off the field straightaway and did not take any further part in the game.

“Tim Southee has left the field having injured his right thumb attempting to take a catch off Ben Lister. The injury requires further assessment and he won’t to return to the field at this stage,” read a post from New Zealand Cricket on X (formerly Twitter).

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Tim Southee has left the field having injured his right thumb attempting to take a catch off Ben Lister. The injury requires further assessment and he won't to return to the field at this stage.#ENGvNZ #CricketNation pic.twitter.com/ChjW8Z1c8J

— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) September 15, 2023

Later a statement from New Zealand Cricket confirmed a fracture: “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 first innings.

The injury has put Tim Southee’s participation in the World Cup in doubt. A final call on him will be taken after scans confirm the extent of the injury. Tim Southee is a crucial member of his side not only because of his bowling but also his experience.

The 34-year-old is the most experienced player in the New Zealand camp. He has been playing international cricket since 2008 and has played 157 ODIs so far, picking up a total of 214 wickets.

New Zealand’s injury woes:

Tim Southee was not the only New Zealand player who suffered an injury during the match. Before him, Daryl Mitchell had to walk off the field too due to an injury. The right-handed batsman dislocated the ring finger on his left hand when taking a catch to dismiss Jonny Bairstow.

But unlike Tim Southee, Mitchell managed to return to the field. He bowled seven overs and picked up 2 wickets before being dismissed for 4. Talking about the game, England beat New Zealand by 100 runs to win the series 3-1. The hosts scored 311 for 9 before bowling out the visitors for 211.