Kane Williamson ruled out for ICC World Cup 2023 Matches, to be available later | New Zealand Updated Squad for World Cup 2023: In a very unfortunate incident for New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson, who was originally recovering from an ACL tear, he has now copped a blow on his left thumb owing to which he is set to miss a major part of the ongoing ICC World Cup 2023 in India. The development was confirmed by the New Zealand Cricket Board (NZC) on Saturday (October 14).
A day post the New Zealand vs Bangladesh clash at Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium, Kane Williamson’s left thumb scans were revealed, which indicated an “undisplaced fracture.”
Kane Williamson suffered a hit on his hand while completing a run during the New Zealand vs Bangladesh fixture on October 13. At the start of the 38th over in the game, Williamson’s hand was seen with bandages. However, later the Kiwi skipper retired hurt in the 39th over.
Notably, Williamson played a key role in getting New Zealand to their third straight win in the ongoing ICC World Cup 2023. Before getting retired hurt, the Kiwi skipper played a valiant knock of 78 runs in 108 deliveries.
In fact, this was Kane Williamson’s comeback game after he missed the earlier two New Zealand fixtures in the World Cup 2023 as he was recovering from an ACL tear, which he suffered during the Tata IPL 2023. With a fresh fracture on his left thumb now, Williamson will nurse both of his injuries simultaneously.
Kane Williamson ruled out for 1st half of ICC World Cup 2023
In a statement release, the New Zealand Cricket Board (NZC) confirmed that Williamson will miss the upcoming games of the ICC World Cup 2023. However, the batter will continue to remain with the side with an aim to be available for the back-end of the tournament, next month.
“An X-ray has confirmed an undisplaced fracture to Kane Williamson’s left thumb after he was struck by a throw while running between the wickets in Friday’s match against Bangladesh in Chennai,” said NZC on Saturday.
“Williamson will remain in the BLACKCAPS ICC Cricket World Cup squad with the aim of being available for the back end of pool play next month,” it added.
As an initial cover for Kane Williamson, New Zealand have flown in Wellington Firebirds batter Tom Blundell to India. The batter, although, will not be part of the official squad, will travel with the contingent for the remainder of the tournament in India.
New Zealand head coach Gary Stead said there is still some optimism in the squad after the initial scans on Williamson. He said: “Firstly, we’re all feeling for Kane to have this occur after all his hard work to return from his knee injury.”
“While it’s disappointing news, the initial diagnosis has given us some optimism he can still feature later in the pool play following a period of rest and rehabilitation,” Stead added.
New Zealand Updated Squad for World Cup 2023
Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Tom Latham(w), Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner, Matt Henry, Mark Chapman, Trent Boult, Will Young, Tim Southee, Lockie Ferguson, James Neesham, Ish Sodhi, Kane Williamson (injured & ruled for 1st half), Tom Blundell (Unofficial Addition)
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