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New Zealand cricket team not only lost the four-match ODI series against England at the Lord’s Cricket Ground but also sustained three major injury blows in the match. The setback for Blackaps has come just before the marquee ODI World Cup that is set to begin in India from October 5, casting a shadow of uncertainty over their campaign in the event.
New Zealand’s ODI World Cup 2023 preparations hit by injury woes
The most significant setback for the Kiwis came in the form of a right thumb injury to their star pace bowler, Tim Southee. The experienced New Zealand seamer dislocated and fractured his right thumb while attempting a catch in the match. The incident not only forced him out of the game but also raised questions about his availability for the upcoming ODI World Cup.
New Zealand Cricket (NZC) took to their official X (previously Twitter) account to confirm the extent of Southee’s injury, stating, “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.”
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Injury Update | 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. #ENGvNZ pic.twitter.com/74zT4t9pGc
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) September 15, 2023
The uncertainty surrounding Southee’s participation in the World Cup will undoubtedly be a significant concern for New Zealand, as his experience and skill with the ball are invaluable assets to the team’s success.
Other injuries in the New Zealand camp
Unfortunately, Southee wasn’t the only casualty during that fateful match at Lord’s. Daryl Mitchell, another key member of the New Zealand squad, had to leave the field after a blow to his ring finger. While the extent of Mitchell’s injury is yet to be disclosed, it adds to the growing list of concerns for the team.
In addition to Southee and Mitchell, Ben Lister also sustained a hamstring injury, with Finn Allen facing a finger injury scare. Fortunately, subsequent tests revealed no major issues for Allen, bringing some relief to the New Zealand camp.
World Cup worries for the New Zealand management
What makes these injuries even more worrisome for New Zealand is the fact that two of the three injured players are part of the World Cup squad. With doubts already lingering over their regular skipper Kane Williamson‘s availability in the starting eleven for the tournament, these injuries come as a blow to their preparations and overall team morale.
