Tim Southee to undergo thumb surgery, World Cup decision next week

The 34-year-old Kiwi pacer dislocated and fractured his thumb while attempting to take a catch in the fourth and final one-day international against England recently.

The 34-year-old injured his thumb and dislocated it while trying to take a catch against England on Friday in the fourth and final one-day international.The senior pace bowler's availability for the forthcoming ICC Cricket World Cup in India will be decided upon early next week, according to a statement released by NZC on Wednesday.

Friday, September 15, 2023, during the One Day International cricket match between England and New Zealand at Lord's Cricket Ground in London, Tim Southee of New Zealand sustains an injury after failing to catch out Joe Root of England.

The senior pace bowler's availability for the forthcoming ICC Cricket World Cup in India will be decided upon early next week, according to a statement released by NZC on Wednesday.

On October 5, winners England will be New Zealand's opponent in their World Cup debut. According to head coach Gary Stead, Southee will be given "every chance" to contribute to their campaign.

We're crossing our fingers that Tim's surgery goes well, Stead added.

His right thumb will receive some pins or screws, and assuming the treatment is successful, it will be up to Tim to care the wound and withstand the pain when he can resume training and playing.

A backup team from New Zealand will play a three-match ODI series in Bangladesh starting on Thursday.