Southee’s Race Against Time for the World Cup: Thumb’s Journey to Recovery
In the world of cricket, where precision is paramount, any injury can pose a significant threat. Recently, this was exemplified when New Zealand’s frontline seamer, Tim Southee, dislocated his thumb during a heated ODI against England. With the much-anticipated World Cup around the corner, the focus has intensified on his recovery. As reported by ESPN Cricinfo.
A Promising Return in the Making
While the remnants of Southee’s injury are evident in the scarred and still tender thumb, there are optimistic signs. The diligent seamer has commenced his bowling regime, gradually increasing his loads. This move certainly instills hope for cricket enthusiasts and the Kiwi camp for his quick return during the world cup festivities.
Hear from Tim Southee on his delayed arrival to India following surgery on his injured thumb in New Zealand. #CWC23 pic.twitter.com/TceOb0PRhj
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) October 4, 2023
Speaking candidly from Ahmedabad, Southee touched upon his injury’s aftermath, “It’s still a bit tender where obviously there’s a bit of scarring and a bit of numbness around where the plate is,” adding further about his preparations, “Haven’t done a lot of bowling over the last couple of weeks, so it’s about getting your loads back up as well as managing the thumb.”
From Despair to Optimism
Though Southee’s optimism stands out now, it wasn’t always this hopeful. Reflecting on his recent challenges, he remarked, “It’s been a crazy couple of weeks. A bit of a race against time to get here, but managed to get here and it’s a great place to come.”
The novelty of the injury did weigh on Southee’s mind, especially with the World Cup looming. He recalled the decision-making process, where the quickest route to recovery entailed inserting screws and a plate into the injured thumb. Gratefully, Southee acknowledged the support system that enabled his current state of recovery, “Everyone I’ve dealt with and the process has been brilliant to get me to this stage.”
Reliving World Cup Chronicles
The forthcoming World Cup isn’t Southee’s first rodeo. His contribution in the past three World Cups for New Zealand has been commendable. Their journey has been full of highs and lows, from being the sole non-Asian team in the 2011 semi-finals to the bittersweet memory of the 2019 final where they lost the title on a boundary count back.
With aspirations to clinch the title this time, the team reminisces about the emotional roller-coaster of previous campaigns. Southee, Kane Williamson, and Trent Boult share a bond that transcends the cricket field, rooted in shared successes and heartbreaks. Southee fondly spoke of this camaraderie, “Obviously two very good mates and guys I’ve played a lot of cricket with… it’s been special, I guess 10-12…how many [ever] years it’s been, to play alongside those guys.”
