In a massive setback to New Zealand ahead of the ICC Men’s ODI World Cup, ace pacer Tim Southee suffered an injury during the fourth ODI against England at the Lord’s on Friday which could likely rule him out of the showpiece event.
On Friday, Southee suffered a dislocated and fractured bone in his right thumb while attempting to take a catch in the 14th over as hosts England posted a respectable 311/9 in their allotted 50 overs.
“An x-ray has confirmed that Tim Southee dislocated and fractured a bone in his right thumb while attempting to take a catch in the 14th over of the 1st innings. A timeline for his recovery will be established tomorrow when he undergoes further assessment,” the New Zealand team said in a statement on social media platform X.
The New Zealand team management will now conduct further assessment of Southee’s injury and the bowler faces the threat of being ruled out of World Cup 2023, scheduled to be played in India from October 5.
Reportedly, a fracture in thumb most likely requires a long period to recover.
There was however, some respite for the BlackCaps as opener Finn Allen has been cleared of any fracture or break in the little finger of his right-hand as he suffered an injury while being on the field as a substitute fielder.