‘England ko 2 free points milega’ – Fans react as Tim Southee doubtful for World Cup opener against England
New Zealand might miss the services of Tim Southee in the inaugural match of the ODI World Cup 2023. The Kiwi pacer sustained a thumb injury while fielding in the ODI series against England last month. It seemed a bit worrying, and Southee had to get his surgery done before the big tournament. The surgery of Southee was successful, but the reports suggest that he is not match fit to start in the playing XI.
In the absence of Southee, Henry might be the new ball partner of Trent Boult against England in Ahmedabad. Lockie Ferguson would continue to be the third pacer in the side with his serious pace on offer. Ish Sodhi and Mitchell Santner are likely to start in the XI as the spin bowling options. The bowling still looks solid.
But the dilemma will be after the return of Southee to the side. Southee had a very good World Cup in 2011 and 2015. in the 2011 edition of the tournament, Southee showed his skills with the new ball and particularly with the old ball as a young bowler. Back then, there was reverse swing with the old ball, which was used well by the pacer, along with the likes of some other pacers like Dale Steyn, Wahab Riaz, and others.
Death bowling concerns for New Zealand in the absence of Tim Southee
With the change of rules, there is less room for reverse swing in the ODIs. but Southee is still effective with the new ball and is one of the designated death bowlers of New Zealand. In the absence of Southee, New Zealand might suffer a bit in the death bowling department. Boult is not that good as a death bowler in the recent times.
There is a need of a good death bowler along with Ferguson. Against a side like England, there might be a bit of worrying signs for New Zealand in the later part of the innings. Southee could have been handy as a lower order batter as well. As a fielder too, Southee is very good. Even in terms of leadership, Southee offers a lot to the side.
Here’s how the fans reacted to the news:
Looking at Ferguson in warm up match, he did not look in rythm. Boult & Henry are bowlers doing good at this time. Santner is amazing but Sodhi bowling a lot of short balls. Injury of Southee will harm bcz on Indian pitches it is all about variations
— Sports syncs (@moiz_sports) October 1, 2023
Imagine Boult, Southee, Milne, Lockie, Henry are getting bowling,,
Best fast bowling attack 🙌🏻🔥
— Md Zishan Alam (@izishan7) October 1, 2023
England ko free ke 2 points mil rahe Kane & Southee honge nahi 1st match
— crazyy soul (@crazyyy__soul) October 1, 2023
Boult h na . Dw
— Er.Atul Vaidya🇮🇳🚩 (@atulvai04795672) October 1, 2023
Me to kehta NZ walo ghar bhej do 😀
— Dennis🕸 (@DenissForReal) October 1, 2023
Sad news for new Zealand
— Asad ali (@Asadali43045206) October 1, 2023
obviously he got a fracture that could not be healed that soon
— anees ur rehman (@an33s) October 1, 2023
#NZvENG mazedaar match hoga 🔥🔥
— Rofl Bhaiya Ji 🏹 (@Rofl_BhaiyaaJi) October 1, 2023
New Zealand will field its main team from second game
— Anuj Mishra (@anujmishra003) October 1, 2023
Good news Pakistan, he always does well against us
— waqas (@icricketfreak) October 1, 2023
