Kiwis suffer huge blow as Tim Southee fractures his thumb during NZ vs ENG

The New Zealand cricket team has suffered a huge blow as their star fast bowler, Tim Southee recently got injured during the team’s match against England. New Zealand got done with their tour in England after playing four T20 matches and four ODI matches. The T20 series ended as a draw, while England swept New Zealand with a 3-1 ODI series win. 

However, ahead of the ODI, World Cup 2023, New Zealand will miss their ace bowler Southee as he suffered a fracture in the thumb during the fourth ODI match between New Zealand and England in London on 15 September.

Notably, New Zealand and England will play their first match of the ODI World Cup 2023 against each other on 5 October at the Narendra Modi Stadium (Motera), Ahmedabad. The teams will encounter once again after a thrilling match in the finals of the ODI, World Cup, 2019, which resulted in a draw in the innings as well as in the super over. 

Tom Latham on Tim Southee’s injury 

New Zealand has been a camp of injury since their captain Kane Williamson got severely injured during the first game of the Indian Premier League 2023. Kane Williamson’s score availability in the ODI World Cup, 2023 was always in question, however, he made it. Now Tim Southee’s participation in the tournament will be in question, considering he got injured just 20 days before the tournament begins.

“When you’re faced with those challenges (injuries), it’s important for guys to step up. He’s in good spirits (Southee). He’ll be assessed further to see how he is. Fingers crossed. Very pleasing the way he goes about things (Ravindra). When you get to the WC, it’s slightly different. Some guys go to Bangladesh tomorrow, and some go home for some rest. Great to have him here. He’s been hitting balls and progressing with his rehab (Williamson)”, said Tom Latham, captain and wicket-keeper of New Zealand, during the post-match ceremony of the fourth ODI game.