New Zealand's Tim Southee set for thumb surgery to determine World Cup participation
New Zealand seamer Tim Southee will have surgery on Thursday on his dislocated and fractured thumb, with his World Cup participation hinging on a successful operation.
Tim Southee.Southee sustained the issue during an ODI against England at Lord's last Friday when he put down a catch in the gully off Joe Root's shot.
It has now been confirmed veteran Southee will under surgery on Thursday and a decision over his availability for the World Cup in India, which begins on October 5, will be determined during the early part of next week.
Black Caps head coach Gary Stead said in a statement: "We've got our fingers crossed 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.
"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."
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