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ODI World Cup 2023: Kane Williamson and Tim Southee set to boost New Zealand's squad as they return from injuries

New Zealand has a huge sigh of relief as both Kane Williamson and Tim Southee look fit to join the squad in Chennai on Friday.

By Soumya | Oct 11, 2023 | 2 Min Read

New Zealand has a huge sigh of relief as two of their most senior cricketers, Kane Williamson and Tim Southee look fit to join the squad in Chennai on Friday. Head coach Gary Stead said in a recent interview that Kane Williamson is “looking good” to make a comeback from his injury. Stead also confirmed the availability of Tim Southee for the upcoming match against Bangladesh. However, Stead did not reveal who would make way when Williamson comes back into the XI. Nevertheless, after racking up a century and a fifty in his two games at No. 3 Rachin Ravindra definitely retains his place.

“If Kane is available, he will play. There is no doubt about that. He is one of the best players in the world. The discussions we are having at the moment is like how does that still fit?” Stead said. “For example, we played Jimmy Neesham in the first game but not the second. That was around the conditions we thought best suited the team at the time. That’s the ongoing discussion we have around every single game and also looking at the opposition and who we feel gives us the right balance in each situation.”

Update on the injuries of Williamson and Southee

Stead said, “He’s been progressing very very well. He’s had a great last five or six days, really went about the fielding aspect of things.” Williamson had suffered an ACL tear in the IPL earlier in the year. However, he played in New Zealand’s warm-up games against Pakistan and South Africa. But Williamson was rested in the first two games of New Zealand which saw them beat both England and Netherlands comfortably.

In a recent interview New Zealand’s head coach remarked, “We’ve got two more trainings still to get through but at this stage all things are looing good for Kane to return in this game. But we still say that with an air of caution but we’re really pleased with the way he has been coming on.”

On the other hand, New Zealand’s veteran strike bowler Southee is also reeling from injury. The New Zealander had fractured his right thumb before the tournament. However, he has recovered from his injury and is now ready to be picked. Throwing light on Southee’s injury Gary said, “Tim will be available for selection, he’s been tracking well. Looks like the thumb has set very very well.” Stead added, “He has been bowling at full intensity for the last couple of training sessions so he is certainly available for selection.”