Fast Bowler of New Zealand Tim Southee to undergo thumb surgery before ODI World Cup 2023
The fast bowler of New Zealand, Tim Southee, will undergo surgery on the thumb he dislocated and fractured in the final ODI match of the team against England on Saturday. A decision on the availability of Southee for the ODI Cricket World Cup 2023 will be made next week after the fast bowler elects to undergo surgery. On Wednesday, New Zealand Cricket confirmed the news afternoon after Southee sustained the injury in the final ODI on Saturday at Lord's, and the 34-year-old's selection will likely be determined by doctors after evaluating the success of the procedure.
New Zealand Cricket said in an official statement, "A decision on the senior pace bowler's availability for the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup in India will be made early next week once the results of the surgery are known.”
The coach of team New Zealand, Gary Stead, remained hopeful Southee could recover in time to be available for the tournament.