Photo Credit: ICC
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.
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.
Wellington Firebirds batsman Tom Blundell will travel to India as cover but will not officially be part of the squad, while Williamson rehabilitates the injury.
Coach Gary Stead said he was hopeful Williamson would still play a part in the tournament.
“Firstly, we’re all feeling for Kane to have this occur after all his hard work to return from his knee injury,” Stead said.
“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.”
Stead said Blundell’s versatility saw him selected to join the squad as cover, while Henry Nicholls wasn’t considered after suffering a mild side-strain during Canterbury’s Plunket Shield warm-up match against Otago during the week.
“Tom’s been with the one-day side on tours to Pakistan and Bangladesh and performed well,” he said.
“He covers multiple positions in the batting order and his wicket-keeping skills are also an added bonus as a back-up.”
The BLACKCAPS next game of the ICC Cricket World Cup is on Wednesday against Afghanistan in Chennai.
BLACKCAPS ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 Schedule
v Afghanistan, Chennai – Weds, Oct 18
v India, Dharamshala – Sun, Oct 22
v Australia, Dharamshala – Sat, Oct 28
v South Africa, Pune – Weds, Nov 1
v Pakistan, Bangalore – Sat, Nov 4
v Sri Lanka, Bangalore, Thurs Nov 9
