The New Zealand cricket team suffered a massive setback during their eight-wicket win against Bangladesh at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Friday as their skipper Kane Williamson fractured his thumb.
Williamson scored an unbeaten 78-run knock and helped his side record a crucial win that saw them going all the way to the top of the points table.
However, in the 39th over, Williamson retired hurt as the ball hit his thumb while he was crossing the wicket in the previous over.
There were speculations about the Black Caps skipper missing the rest of the tournament following his thumb injury but after the latest scans, it has been confirmed that the 33-year-old did, indeed, fracture his thumb but he will be able to return to playing XI in the later part of the group stage.
Coach Gary Stead said he was hopeful Williamson would still play a part in the tournament.
“Firstly, we’re all feeling for Kane to have this occur after all his hard work to return from his knee injury,” Stead said.
“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.
“Kane is clearly a massive part of our side and a world class player and captain - so we’ll look to give him every opportunity we can to return in the tournament.”
Tom Blundell has been called up as Williamson’s backup as Stead believes that he is a versatile player who can cover up multiple positions.
Tom’s been with the one-day side on tours to Pakistan and Bangladesh and performed well,” he said.
“He covers multiple positions in the batting order and his wicket-keeping skills are also an added bonus as a back-up.”
It must be noted New Zealand are in red-hot form in the World Cup after registering back-to-back-to-back wins against England, the Netherlands and Bangladesh.
The Black Caps play Afghanistan next on October 18 in Chennai.
- Kane Williamson
