Tim Southee Doubtful For World Cup Opener Vs England Due To Injury
Tim Southee doubtful for the World Cup 2023 opening match [Twitter]
New Zealand's star pacer Tim Southee is now in doubt for the opening match against England in World Cup 2023, despite initially being declared fit after a thumb injury sustained during the away series against the Englishmen.
Southee's injury saga unfolded at Lord's when he dislocated and fractured his right thumb while attempting to grab a catch offered by Joe Root. The incident not only sent shockwaves through the New Zealand squad but also left cricket enthusiasts holding their breath, pondering the fate of one of the most seasoned campaigners in the game.
Tim Southee, a stalwart of New Zealand cricket, boasts an impressive record as the team's third-highest wicket-taker in One-Day Internationals, claiming 214 dismissals at an average of 33.60. His invaluable experience and skill with the ball have played pivotal roles in New Zealand's campaigns on the world stage, having participated in three previous World Cups.
Southee was one of the four specialist fast bowlers included in New Zealand's World Cup squad, alongside the likes of Trent Boult, Matt Henry, and Lockie Ferguson. The team's fortunes have also been buoyed by the return of Kane Williamson, who recently made a comeback after a five-month hiatus due to a knee injury.
Williamson showcased his mettle in a World Cup warm-up match against Pakistan, leaving an indelible mark by scoring a well-deserved half-century in the picturesque city of Hyderabad.
The opening match of the 2023 World Cup is scheduled to take place on October 5 at the Narendra Modi Stadium, where New Zealand is set to face England. If Southee doesn't recover in time, the BlackCaps could include Kyle Jamieson or Lockie Ferguson in their playing XI for this mega clash.
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