Southee to undergo surgery on dislocated thumb

Tim Southee will undergo a surgery on his dislocated thumb on Thursday (September 21) but remains in the fray for the upcoming World Cup in India. A decision on his availability will be taken next week once the results of the surgery are known, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) said in a release.

Southee broke a bone in his right thumb while fielding in the fourth ODI against England at Lord’s on September 15. He returned home and consulted specialists, who recommended surgery.

“We’ve got our fingers crossed that the surgery goes well for Tim,” head coach Gary Stead said. “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.