World Cup 2023: Tim Southee suffers thumb injury, Daryl Mitchell also injured as New Zealand lose series vs England

Add as a preferred source on Google

World Cup 2023: In a major blow to New Zealand, their World Cup 2023-bound player Tim Southee and Daryl Mitchell suffered injuries while fielding in the series-deciding fourth ODI against England at the Lord's in London on Friday.

Pace spearhead Tim Southee injured his thumb while attempting a catch of Joe Root in the 14th over of the match. Southee dove across with both hands but the ball hit his thumb and deflected towards the third man.

"Tim Southee has left the field having injured his right thumb attempting to take a catch off Ben Lister. The injury requires further assessment and he won't to return to the field at this stage," read a tweet from New Zealand cricket.

The 34-year-old did not come out to bat as New Zealand suffered a 100-run defeat in the fourth ODI to lose the series 3-1.

Tim Southee's injury came after Daryl Mitchell also sustained an injury during the match while he grabbed the catch to dismiss Jonny Bairstow. The commentators were heard saying that Mitchell has apparently dislocated his left ring finger. Later, he was spotted with a tape in the dugout. He came out to bat but was clean bowled by Brydon Carse for 4 off 14.

The two injuries come as a major setback for New Zealand who are already missing the services of captain Kane Williamson. Williamson has been named in New Zealand's World Cup 2023 squad but is yet to return to action after injuring his knee in the IPL 2023 opener for Gujarat Titans (GT).

New Zealand are set to tour Bangladesh for a 3-match ODI series before flying to India to participate in the World Cup 2023. They face defending champions England in the first match on October 5.