ICC World Cup 2023: New Zealand Call Up Tom Blundell As Cover For Injured Kane Williamson

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ICC World Cup 2023: New Zealand have flown in Tom Blundell as cover for injured Kane Williamson on Saturday (October 14) after an x-ray confirmed the Blakcaps skipper fractured his thumb and will miss the next few matches in the ongoing World Cup 2023.

Williamson, who played his first competitive game since March after recovering from a long-standing injury on Friday (October 13), suffered a blow to his thumb during New Zealand's run chase against Bangladesh at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

The New Zealand skipper scored 78 before he left the field retired hurt after being hit on the thumb in 38th over when completing a run. Glenn Phillips joined Daryl Mitchell in the middle to complete the chase with 8 wicket and 7.1 overs to spare.

After the match, Williamson who was seen with some protection on his thumb, provided an update on his injury and said he may need to go for a scan to rule out any further damage. The latest updated from New Zealand suggests that he has an 'undisplaced fracture'.

"An X-ray has confirmed an undisplaced fracture to Kane Williamson's left thumb. He will remain in the @cricketworldcup squad with the aim of being available for the back end of pool play next month. Tom Blundell will travel to India as cover. #CWC23," Blackcaps posted on X, formerly Twitter.

The 33-year-old Blundell, who is the number one choice wikcetkeeper-batter in Test cricket, has so far faetured in 9 ODI matches, scoring 237 runs, including 2 fifties with the highest score of 68 at an average of 33.85.

New Zealand have made a perfect start to the tournament so far, having won three in three matches, beating England and Netherlands without Williamson earlier, followed by a victory over Bangladesh.

New Zealand will next face Afghanistan at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Wednesday (October 18) before they take on tournament hosts India at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) Stadium in Dharamsala on October 22.