New Zealand captain Kane Williamson made a sensational return to international cricket after six months.
The 33-year-old scored 78 against Bangladesh, guiding Black Caps to an eight-wicket win in the ICC World Cup 2023 game in Chennai.
He faced 107 balls, hitting eight fours and a six until he had to retired hurt after he suffered a blow on his thumb of left hand. He is set to have his thumb scanned.
Williamson was struck on his unprotected left thumb while running between the wickets in the 38th over when a direct hit of the stumps would have sent him on his way in a much less painful fashion.
He initially looked to continue after having the digit sprayed and his hand strapped but eventually departed with 47 runs still required off 71 deliveries.
Speaking after the win, Williamson said his thumb had become “fat and colourful straight away,” which made it hard for him to continue holding his bat.
He said that he would be headed for scans on Saturday in India, adding: “Hopefully it’s OK”.
Williamson laughed when a question about his thumb was followed by one about his knee, which he described as “secondary to his thumb,” adding that “it was great to get through actually, from a knee perspective”.
- Kane Williamson
