New Zealand’s cricket fans can finally breathe a sigh of relief as the Blackcaps receive a monumental boost just days before the start of the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup. Tim Southee, one of New Zealand’s key pace bowlers and a vital part of their World Cup plans, has been officially declared fit to travel to India and participate in the highly anticipated tournament. This news comes as a major relief for the New Zealand cricket team, who had been anxiously awaiting updates on Southee’s recovery from a thumb injury that had cast doubt on his World Cup campaign.
The thumb injury in question occurred on September 16, 2023, during New Zealand’s tour of England. Southee dislocated and fractured his right thumb while attempting to take a catch during the fourth ODI against England at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground. With the World Cup just around the corner, Southee’s injury presented a significant cause for concern, both for the team and its fans.
In response to the injury, Southee underwent surgery on September 20, 2023, back in New Zealand. The surgical procedure involved the insertion of pins or screws into his injured thumb. The success of this surgery was pivotal in determining when Southee could return to training and eventually take the field again.
Gary Stead, the head coach of the New Zealand cricket team, had expressed optimism regarding Southee’s recovery, stating that they were keeping their “fingers crossed” for a successful surgical outcome. Southee’s potential absence from the World Cup squad would have been a significant blow for the team, given his role as a senior player, a leader within the squad, and his wealth of experience.
Fortunately, as of today, September 26th, 2023, the medical team has officially cleared Tim Southee to rejoin the New Zealand cricket squad in India later this week. This development marks a remarkable turn in Southee’s recovery process and provides a significant morale boost for the team, which recently secured a 2-0 series victory in Bangladesh.
Led by Kane Williamson, who himself is making a comeback after a prolonged injury layoff, the New Zealand cricket team can now approach the World Cup with renewed confidence. While Southee’s recovery is indeed excellent news, the team has also taken precautions by including pace bowler Kyle Jamieson in the World Cup training squad. However, it’s important to note that Jamieson will not be officially listed as part of the World Cup squad and, therefore, won’t be eligible to participate in any of the warm-up matches. These warm-up games will see New Zealand square off against Pakistan and South Africa as they prepare for their World Cup opener against England on October 5.
As New Zealand gears up for what promises to be a thrilling World Cup campaign, the return of Tim Southee couldn’t have come at a better time. His experience, skill, and leadership on the field will be invaluable as the Blackcaps aim to capture cricket’s most coveted trophy.