Tim Southee to undergo surgery on fractured thumb

New Zealand pacer Tim Southee is set to undergo surgery on his thumb, which he dislocated and fractured during the final One-Day International (ODI) against England at Lord's on Saturday (September 16). He bowled just four overs in the match before walking off after injuring himself while fielding. 

 A call on his participation in the upcoming World Cup will be made early next week when the results of the surgery are known.

Head coach Gary Stead, however, remains hopeful of Southee's availability for the mega event, starting October 5. “We’ve got our fingers crossed the surgery goes well for Tim,” Stead said.

“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.

“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 obviously 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.”

New Zealand will play a couple of warm-up games - against Pakistan on September 29 in Hyderabad and against South Africa on October 2 in Thiruvananthapuram - ahead of their opening World Cup fixture against England in Ahmedabad.

A few members of the World Cup squad are currently in Bangladesh, where they will play three ODIs against the hosts, starting September 21. Those not part of the squad will depart for India from Tuesday (September 26) onwards.