Tim Southee has been given the green light to join the New Zealand squad for the ODI World Cup as he continues his recovery following surgery on his fractured right thumb. Southee had dislocated his finger while attempting a catch during New Zealand’s fourth ODI against England at Lord’s earlier in the month. After undergoing surgery, he is set to fly to India with the aim of being fit for New Zealand’s opening World Cup game against England on October 5.
If Southee successfully recovers in time, it will be his fourth appearance in an ODI World Cup, having been part of the tournament in 2011, 2015, and 2019. This trip will also mark his seventh international visit to India.
Jamieson is the reserve
Additionally, fast bowler Kyle Jamieson will join the New Zealand squad but is not officially part of the 15-member World Cup unit. He will not participate in the warm-up matches and is present as cover. Jamieson was part of the side that defeated Bangladesh 2-0 in a three-match series leading up to the World Cup.
New Zealand is already dealing with injury concerns as their captain, Kane Williamson, is recovering from a ruptured ACL sustained during last season’s IPL. Although he has been included in the World Cup squad, his fitness to join the team in the tournament’s early stages remains uncertain.
The next group of New Zealand players and support staff is scheduled to depart for India from Christchurch on Wednesday, with a few players set to join the squad from Bangladesh.
New Zealand will play two warm-up matches, facing Pakistan on September 29 in Hyderabad and South Africa on October 2 in Thiruvananthapuram before their opening World Cup match in Ahmedabad.
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