New Zealand cricket captain Kane Williamson has been sidelined once again after scans confirmed a thumb fracture he sustained during a World Cup match against Bangladesh. This unfortunate injury came in his first match back in seven months following a serious knee injury. Although Williamson will be out of action for some time, the team remains hopeful he could return “at the back end of pool play next month.”
Williamson fractured his left thumb when he was struck by a throw while running between the wickets during New Zealand’s victory over Bangladesh. As he retired hurt on 78, it marked a disappointing setback for the 33-year-old captain.
To cover for Williamson’s absence, batsman Tom Blundell will join the squad during his rehabilitation period, according to New Zealand Cricket. Despite this setback, New Zealand Cricket remains optimistic that Williamson can make a return later in the World Cup following a period of rest and rehabilitation.
New Zealand currently leads the World Cup table with three wins in three games. The top four teams will qualify for the semi-finals, with the final set to take place in Ahmedabad on November 19. If Williamson’s return is delayed until November, he may miss pool games against Afghanistan, India, and Australia over the next two weeks.
