Kane Williamson, returning to cricket after six months following an ACL injury, retired hurt with an injured thumb during New Zealand’s match with Bangladesh in the 2023 World Cup.

Williamson had ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in the 2023 IPL opener, and was ruled out of the entire tournament. He was on crutches and used a knee brace as he eyed a comeback for the World Cup. He underwent surgery, which made him a doubtful starter for the event in India, but a quick recovery encouraged the selectors to pick him.

Williamson did not field during either of the two warm-up games ahead of the World Cup, but batted on both occasions, making 54 not out and 37. However, yet to return to full fitness, he did not play New Zealand’s first two games in the World Cup, against England and the Netherlands.

In his first professional game in over six months came on October 13 against Bangladesh at Chennai, he anchored his way to a fine 78 before he was forced to retire hurt after copping a blow on his thumb.

On the first ball of the 38th over, Williamson, on 77 then, ran a single after pushing the ball towards mid-off. Shakib Al Hasan quickly picked up the ball and threw it towards the non-striker’s end, but it went off target and hit Williamson on the thumb.

In visible pain from the blow, Williamson got his left thumb bandaged and sprayed. Then he resumed batting, much to the surprise of commentator Simon Doull: “That would have been gone, run out if it had been a direct hit. He would have preferred that right now over the pain he’s feeling.”

He faced two more balls before deciding to retire hurt for 78. New Zealand, chasing 246, won by eight wickets to register their third victory of the World Cup in as many matches.

Williamson gave an update on his injury after the game: “[The blow] made holding the bat a little tough.”

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