New Zealand captain Kane Williamson faces another spell on the sidelinesafter scans revealed he fractured his thumb in the ICC World Cup 2023 winover Bangladesh, his first match in seven months following a serious kneeinjury.
Coach Gary Stead said, however, that Williamson will remain with the squadand could return to the field “at the back end of pool play next month”.
The 33-year-old injured his left thumb when struck by a throw while runningbetween the wickets in Friday’s eight-wicket Bangladesh in Chennai, forcinghim to retire hurt on 78.
Batsman Tom Blundell will travel to India as cover but won’t officially bepart of the squad while Kane Williamson rehabilitates, New Zealand Cricketsaid.
The injury soured Williamson’s return to cricket after injuring his kneeplaying in the Indian Premier League in March.
He sat out the opening World Cup wins over England and the Netherlandsbefore being deemed ready to play against Bangladesh.
“Firstly, we’re all feeling for Kane to have this occur after all his hardwork to return from his knee injury,” Stead said.
Read Top Stories
“While it’s disappointing, the initial diagnosis has given us some optimismhe can still feature later in the pool play following a period of rest andrehabilitation.
“Kane is clearly a massive part of our side and a world-class player andcaptain – so we’ll look to give him every opportunity we can to return inthe tournament.”
If Kane Williamson is ruled out until November, he will miss ICC World Cup2023 pool games against Afghanistan, India and Australia over the next twoweeks.
New Zealand currently sit on top of the 10-nation table after three wins inthree games.
The top four qualify for the semi-finals while the final takes place inAhmedabad on November 19. -APP/AFP