Tim Southee is set to have surgery on his thumb injury this Thursday. The injury occurred during a match against England last week when Southee dislocated and fractured his right thumb while trying to catch a slip from Joe Root. Head coach Gary Stead expressed optimism for a successful surgery, stating, “We are hopeful that Tim’s surgery goes well.”
The procedure will involve inserting a pin or screw into Southee’s right thumb. The main concern will be whether he can tolerate the pain and properly manage the wound as he returns to training and playing. The upcoming World Cup game against England on October 5th in Ahmedabad is seen as a logical target for his return, provided the surgery is successful.
Southee is an integral part of New Zealand’s team, being their third highest wicket-taker in One Day Internationals (ODIs) with 214 wickets at an average of 33.60. He has also participated in the last three World Cups. Alongside Trent Boult, Matt Henry, and Lockie Ferguson, Southee was selected as one of the four specialist quicks for the New Zealand squad. Kane Williamson, who recently returned from an anterior cruciate ligament injury, is also part of the squad, although his availability remains uncertain.
Before the World Cup, New Zealand will engage in two warm-up matches against Pakistan on September 29th and South Africa on October 2nd. Currently, five members of the World Cup squad are participating in the ongoing ODI series in Bangladesh, while the others will depart for India next Tuesday.