Southee, had opted to undergo surgery following a dislocated and fractured thumb injury sustained during New Zealand's tour of England.
In a significant development just days before the commencement of the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, Tim Southee’s participation has been officially confirmed. This confirmation comes as a huge relief for the New Zealand cricket team, which had been grappling with several injury concerns in the lead-up to the tournament. The experienced fast bowler, Southee, had opted to undergo surgery following a dislocated and fractured thumb injury sustained during New Zealand’s tour of England. His injury had raised significant concerns for the team’s prospects in the World Cup, considering his vital role in the bowling attack.
New Zealand’s recent 2-0 series triumph in Bangladesh provided them with a boost in confidence, but Southee’s fitness remained a critical concern. The news of his inclusion in the World Cup squad will undoubtedly bolster the team’s morale as they prepare to compete on the global stage. Leading the New Zealand side at the World Cup will be Kane Williamson, who is also set to make a comeback after a prolonged period on the sidelines due to injury. Williamson’s return adds further strength to the team’s batting lineup and provides valuable leadership on the field.
Read More: ICC ODI World Cup 2023 Schedule
While Southee continues his recovery from surgery, the team has taken a precautionary measure by including pace-bowler Kyle Jamieson in the World Cup squad. Although Jamieson will not be officially part of the World Cup squad, his presence in India for training purposes ensures that the team has adequate cover for Southee in case his recovery takes longer than expected.
It’s worth noting that Jamieson will not be eligible to participate in any of the warm-up matches leading up to the World Cup. New Zealand’s warm-up fixtures include matches against Pakistan and South Africa, which will serve as crucial preparations before their World Cup opener against England on October 5.
With the return of key players like Tim Southee and Kane Williamson, New Zealand will be looking to make a strong statement in the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup and vie for cricket’s most prestigious title. The inclusion of Jamieson as a backup ensures that the team is well-prepared to face any challenges that may arise during the tournament.
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