Latest updates as New Zealand skipper fractures thumb during World Cup 2023

Injuries continue to be a nightmare for Kane Williamson. The New Zealand skipper returned to action after a long term injury to play the 2023 World Cup match against Bangladesh.

However, he has picked up another injury, which might force him out for a fair few games at the very least.

While batting against Bangladesh on Friday, Williamson got hit by a throw on his left glove as he was looking to steal a single. The incident happened in the 38th over the second innings.

Eventually, he retired hurt at a score of 78. Now, an X-ray has revealed the extent of his injury, confirming that there is a fracture on his left thumb.

"Firstly, we’re all feeling for Kane to have this occur after all his hard work to return from his knee injury," head coach Gary Stead said in a statement released by New Zealand Cricket.

"While it’s disappointing news, the initial diagnosis has given us some optimism he can still feature later in the pool play following a period of rest and rehabilitation," he added.

Is Kane Williamson out of the 2023 Cricket World Cup?

Though Williamson will continue with the New Zealand team in India, there are fears that he might be ruled out of the remainder of the tournament. New Zealand have already called up a replacement as cover. However, that is only expected to be a precautionary measure.

As of now, early indications suggest he might miss a fair few league stage games of the World Cup and Kiwis expect him to return to action towards the end of the league stage.

Tom Blundell called in as cover

New Zealand have called in the wicketkeeper-batter Tom Blundell as Williamson's cover. Blundell has played only nine ODIs, scoring 237 runs at an average of 33.85 and a strike-rate of 88.43. 

"Tom’s been with the one-day side on tours to Pakistan and Bangladesh and performed well.

"He covers multiple positions in the batting order and his wicket-keeping skills are also an added bonus as a back-up," Stead concluded.

Who will win the 2023 World Cup?

India, England and Australia are among the top five favourites for the 2023 World Cup title. The odds from Dafabet are as follows:

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