New Zealand received a massive boost on the eve of the high-voltage World Cup match versus India in Dharamshala. Veteran quick Southee, who has been nursing a thumb fracture, is deemed fit to play. He sustained the injury in the ODIs against England before the quadrennial event. Southee underwent surgery immediately and missed his team’s initial World Cup fixtures against England, Netherlands and Bangladesh.

Unfortunately, Southee’s unavailability was not the only injury blow New Zealand suffered in their campaign. Skipper Kane Williamson, who made a comeback in the Bangladesh match after a close to year-long hiatus because of a limb injury, picked a freakish thumb fracture when a throw from Shakib Al Hasan hit him. He was ruled out for the next few matches and could make a return in the later stages.

Stand-in captain Tom Latham provided an update on the duo in a press conference: “Yeah, Kane’s obviously still nursing his thumb injury. It’s a day-by-day process with him as well. Fingers crossed he’ll be available for later on in the tournament. And in regards to Tim, he’s available for selection.”

Tim Southee was seen bowling in the nets before the clash against India at Dharamsala.

Indian fans, how are you feeling? 👀#INDvsNZ #TimSouthee #Dharamsala pic.twitter.com/YUy7QrGJzP

— OneCricket (@OneCricketApp) October 21, 2023

Given the swinging conditions of Dharamshala, Southee will straightway come in the playing eleven. So either Matt Henry or Lockie Ferguson will make way for the experienced bowler. Ferguson’s death-over prowess will allow him to retain his spot, meaning Southee will replace Henry in the team.

Both India and New Zealand are coming into this blockbuster match undefeated, winning four out of four fixtures. New Zealand sit at the pole position of the points table with eight points and a Net Run Rate boost of +1.923, while India follow next with as many points but an inferior NRR of +1.659.