Tim Southee set for surgery after thumb dislocation
In a recent setback for New Zealand, Tim Southee is set to undergo surgery for the thumb injury. Notably, the pacer sustained on thumb during a match against England last week.
The injury occurred when Southee attempted to take a catch at slip offered by Joe Root at Lord’s. It resulted in a dislocated and fractured right thumb. However, there remains a glimmer of hope that Southee could still make it to the World Cup.
Head coach Gary Stead expressed optimism about Southee’s recovery. He said that it would be a matter of ensuring that Southee can tolerate the pain and manage the actual wound when returning to train and play.
“We’ve got our fingers crossed that the surgery goes well for Tim; he’ll have some pins or screws inserted in his right thumb and, providing the procedure is a success, it will be a matter of ensuring Tim can tolerate the pain and manage the actual wound when returning to train and play,” head coach Gary Stead said as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.
Gary Stead emphasised Southee’s importance to the team
“Our opening game of the World Cup against England is not until Thursday, October 5 in Ahmedabad, so that would be our logical target in terms of his availability. Tim’s a hugely experienced and important figure in our team and we want to give him every chance to be part of this World Cup campaign,” he added.
