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In what seems to be a big blow for New Zealand in their preparations for the upcoming ODI World Cup 2023, India, their star pacer Tim Southee has sustained a thumb injury during the fourth ODI against England. Southee happened to break his bone while attempting a catch in the last ODI of the four-match series against the hosts.
The initial scans after Southee’s reported thumb injury cleared the air over it and revealed that his thumb bone had been dislocated. Meanwhile, the veteran pacer had to travel back home to New Zealand which might jeopardize his preparations for the upcoming marquee international tournament.
"He’ll be assessed over the coming days." - Tom Latham on Tim Southee's injury
New Zealand skipper Tom Latham also spoke about Southee's injury and he also discussed the probable doubts on the latter’s participation in the 13th edition of the ODI World Cup.
"It’s not ideal for Timmy. He’s a massive leader in the group and obviously, he’ll be assessed over the coming days when we get back home to see how bad it is, but we do have a bit of time leading into those first couple of games, so we’ll know more over the next couple of days,” said Latham after a 100-run defeat against England.
“He's a pretty resilient character, so I'm sure he'll be doing all he can to be on the plane, ready for that first game. But it's hard to know at this point what the timeframe will be. Once he gets home and has a few more scans, we'll know the extent of what's going on,” he added later.
Notably, the Kiwis recently announced their squad for the ODI World Cup 2023 under the captaincy of the veteran batter Kane Williamson, who is also coming back after recovering from an injury, he sustained during the Indian Premier League 2023 earlier this year. The Blackcaps will start their run in the tournament with the tournament opener against the defending champions, England on October 5 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
Here’s how fans reacted to Tim Southee’s thumb injury:
Sab injured hi rahenge kya 🤦🤦
— Kirti Srivastava (@Vedant20000) September 16, 2023
Australia ke itne sare player injured h thik bhi honge England me Jason Roy injured h India se Iyer ka pata nhi
Tim Southee doubtful for the 2023 World Cup.
— Naveen🇮🇳 (@NaveenRast0ji) September 16, 2023
Why injury only happens to good players? pic.twitter.com/qUNGVp3SfH
Tim Southee has dislocated his finger just before World Cup which makes him serious doubtful for World Cup 2023.
— Rokte Amar KKR 🟣🟡 (@Rokte_Amarr_KKR) September 16, 2023
Wishing him a speedy recovery #AmiKKR pic.twitter.com/My3z8q8Ik8
After Heroics from all teams now it's injuries time 😐
— Telugu Digi (@TeluguDz) September 16, 2023
Worst news for New Zeland. Southee is the backbone of their bowling attack.
— Teri Meri Baatein (@TeriMeriBaatein) September 16, 2023
New Zealand has much better option BTW,
— Finch Academy Of Ducks (@Academyofducks) September 16, 2023
Wishing speed recovery
Another one bites the dust
— Rahman Sheikh IRTS (@rahmanology) September 16, 2023
Oh god 👀🥲 Wishing him speedy recovery! ❤️
— Kaushik (@KaushikKR) September 16, 2023
Newzland and aus are getting weaker
— Dr Arsalan khan (@Arsalan894) September 16, 2023
It's not the ideal preparation for #CWC23 for these players
— ThePoppingCrease (@PoppingCreaseSA) September 16, 2023
Tim Southee - fractured thumb
Travis Head - fractured hand
Naseem Shah - shoulder
Anrich Nortje - back#cricket pic.twitter.com/g80uueaNNB