ODI World Cup 2023

New Zealand star Tim Southee set to undergo surgery weeks before 2023 ODI World Cup  

The 2023 ODI Cricket World Cup is just two weeks away from its start. 2019 World Cup runners-up New Zealand will kick-start the tournament. The first opponents for the Black Caps are none other than current title holder England. 5^th October is the date when the two teams meet in a re-match for the 2019 World Cup finals.

Ahead of the big event, there is injury news being reported from every team. New Zealand is no exception to the injury concerns faced before the big event. Star fast bowler Tim Southee suffered an injury during the four-match ODI series against England. This latest injury has left the 34-year-old in a race against time to be fit for the mega event.

Tim Southee to undergo surgery before the World Cup

The World Cup hopes for Tim Southee hang in the balance. The 34-year-old will undergo surgery which is to take place on Thursday. Tim Southee had injured his thumb during the third ODI against England recently. After suffering the injury, the Kiwi bowler went down in pain as it was claimed the finger had a fracture as well as dislocation.

Gary Stead, the coach of the New Zealand Cricket Team sounded hopeful when he said “We’ve got our fingers crossed the surgery goes well for Tim”. As per the Kiwi coach, the fast bowler will have pins in his thumb post the surgery. As per reports, Southee is set to miss at least the initial few games of the tournament.

The Kiwi coach also said, “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”. The Kiwi coach though sounded extra-optimistic when he said Tim Southee could likely be fit for the opening game against England.

The Kiwis earlier this year had a scare when regular Kane Williamson went down injured during the IPL. Kane Williamson had suffered the injury to his knee when he went for a catch. The Kiwi skipper was making his debut for Gujarat Titans in the game against CSK. Williamson hobbled off the field raising fears of him missing the World Cup.

Tim Southee has played 157 games so far and picked 214 ODI wickets. The 34-year-old played a huge role in New Zealand’s run to the finals in 2015 and 2019. Southee picked his career-best 7/33 in the game against England to showcase his talents to the worldwide fans.