New Zealand to make decision next week on Tim Southee fitness

The seamer is set to undergo surgery on a fractured thumb on Thursday, having suffered the injury against England during last week's fourth ODI

Tim Southee is a doubt for the World Cup after undergoing surgery on his fractured thumb.

The New Zealand seamer and Test captain suffered the injury when he dropped Joe Root at gully in the final ODI of the four-match series against England at Lord's last Friday.

He left the field immediately and didn't return, with an operation set for Thursday.

New Zealand, who begin their campaign against England, have confirmed that they will make a decision on Southee's availability next week "once the results of the surgery are known".

^{Southee is New Zealand's third-highest ODI wicket-taker (Alex Davidson/Getty Images)}

"We've got our fingers crossed the surgery goes well for Tim," said New Zealand head coach Gary Stead.

"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.

In the meantime, New Zealand – who have Kane Williamson back fit for the tournament – are set to face Bangladesh in an ODI series as their preparation continues.

Related Topics

• Thumb injury leaves New Zealand fretting over Tim Southee's World Cup fitness