New Zealand captain Kane Williamson will miss at least three ICC World Cup 2023 matches after fracturing his thumb while running between the wickets against Bangladesh on Friday. This means New Zealand will be without their experienced captain when they take on hosts India.
The game against Bangladesh on Friday night was Kane Williamson's first international outing in more than six months following his recovery from an ACL injury that he suffered in March during an IPL game.
After being hit by the ball, Williamson carried on for a brief period before retiring hurt.
"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 New Zealand Cricket in a statement.
"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.
New Zealand is scheduled to take on Afghanistan in Chennai on October 18, India in Dharamsala on October 22 and South Africa in Pune on October 28. While it is confirmed that Williamson will not be available for these games, his comeback game will depend on how fast he recovers. The Kiwis are hopeful that he will make another speedy recovery to be available for selection for their remaining league fixtures in November.
Tom Blundell will travel to India as cover but will not officially be part of the squad, while Williamson enters the rehabilitation phase.
Meanwhile, Coach Gary Stead sounded hopeful of Williamson playing further part in the tournament.
"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. Kane is clearly a massive part of our side and a world-class player and captain - so we'll look to give him every opportunity we can to return in the tournament," PTI quoted him as saying.
