Tim Southee has been cleared to join the New Zealand squad for the ODI World Cup following his recovery from surgery on his fractured right thumb. Southee sustained the injury while attempting a catch during New Zealand’s ODI against England at Lord’s earlier in the month. After undergoing surgery, he is now set to fly to India on Saturday, aiming to be fit for New Zealand’s opening World Cup match against England on October 5. If he successfully recovers in time, this will be Southee’s fourth ODI World Cup appearance, having previously participated in the 2011, 2015, and 2019 editions.
Fast bowler Kyle Jamieson will also join the New Zealand squad, although he is not officially part of the 15-member World Cup squad. He will not participate in any warm-up matches and is with the team as cover. Jamieson was part of the squad that recently defeated Bangladesh 2-0 in a three-match series ahead of the World Cup.
New Zealand faces additional injury concerns, notably with their captain Kane Williamson, who is recovering from a ruptured ACL sustained during the previous season’s IPL. While Williamson has been included in the World Cup squad, it remains uncertain whether he will be fit to play when the tournament begins next week.
The second group of New Zealand players and support staff is scheduled to depart for India from Christchurch on Wednesday, and some players will join the squad from Bangladesh. Before the World Cup, New Zealand will play two warm-up matches, against Pakistan on September 29 in Hyderabad and South Africa on October 2 in Thiruvananthapuram, as they prepare for the tournament’s opening match in Ahmedabad.