New Zealand pacer Tim Southee set to undergo surgery ahead of ODI World Cup 2023

New Zealand lead pacer Tim Southee will undergo surgery with only a few days left in the ODI World Cup 2023. He sustained a thumb injury during the fourth ODI. While fielding at slips, Southee attempted to take a catch of Joe Root but to no avail. After this, the WTC 2021 winner didn’t take any part in the game and the team lost.

Meanwhile, with no games apart from warm-ups (against Pakistan on September 29 and South Africa on October 2) scheduled, Southee will go through surgery. At this point, the team is hoping for him to recover before the opening game against defending champions, England on October 5.

“We’ve got our fingers crossed that the surgery goes well for Tim,” head coach Gary Stead said. “He’ll have some pins or screws inserted in his right thumb and, providing the procedure is a success, it will be a matter of ensuring Tim can tolerate the pain and manage the actual wound when returning to train and play.

“Our opening game of the World Cup against England is not until Thursday, October 5 in Ahmedabad, so that would be our logical target in terms of his availability.

“Tim’s obviously a hugely experienced and important figure in our team and we want to give him every chance to be part of this World Cup campaign.”

Tim Southee didn’t play a single game during the 2019 edition

The right-arm pacer didn’t play a single game in the 2019 edition. With the likes of Trent Boult, Matt Henry, and Lockie Ferguson already in the ranks, Southee found it difficult to make his place. Also, Henry did well with the new ball during the warm-up games before the tournament. This made it difficult for the team to adjust him in the team.

In the 2015 edition played in Australia and New Zealand, Southee was one of the top-wicket takers for the Blackcaps. The upcoming edition is his fourth World Cup of his career, having played his first in 2011.