Tim Southee Likely To Miss ENG vs NZ Match In ICC World Cup 2023 Due To Injury - Report

Veteran New Zealand fast bowler Tim Southee might miss the team’s first match against defending champions England in the upcoming ODI World Cup. Tim Southee’s participation in the first game remains uncertain as he is still recovering from a thumb injury.

Tim Southee dislocated and fractured his right thumb during the recent ODI series against England. However, he was declared fit by the medical team despite not fully recovering from the injury. He was rested for the first warm-up match against Pakistan in Hyderabad.

Tim Southee Might Miss The Match Against England

As per Stuff NZ, Tim Southee is expected to be available for the first match. Southee was one of the four genuine fast bowlers in the World Cup squad. New Zealand’s pace attack for the first match is likely to comprise Trent Boult, Matt Henry, and Lockie Ferguson.

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Southee has been a crucial bowler for the Black Caps, amassing over 200 wickets in 157 ODIs at an average of 33.60. He played a vital role in the last three World Cup campaigns, securing 34 wickets at an impressive average of 25.12, including his best figures of 7/33.

Kane Williamson Ruled Of Tournament’s Opener

New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has confirmed that skipper Kane Williamson has been ruled out of the first game against England, scheduled to be played in Ahmedabad on October 5. Wicketkeeper-batter Tom Latham will lead the New Zealand team in his absence.

Kane Williamson made his return to the field during the warm-up match against Pakistan in Hyderabad on September 29. The right-handed batter managed to score 54 runs off 54 balls, which included eight boundaries, despite coming back from a prolonged injury layoff.

New Zealand 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

Also read: Tim Southee Cleared To Fly To India For ICC World Cup 2023 In A Huge Boost For New Zealand