ENG vs NZ: Why is Tim Southee not playing today’s ODI World Cup 2023 match?

The cricket world is buzzing with excitement as the ODI World Cup 2023 kicks off with a thrilling clash between England and New Zealand. However, for the Kiwis, a vital player will be missing from the action.

Why is Tim Southee not playing today’s ODI World Cup 2023 match?

Tim Southee, a seasoned fast bowler and a key asset for the New Zealand team, will be absent from the opening match and potentially more games due to a thumb injury.

New Zealand’s stand-in captain, Tom Latham, confirmed this unfortunate news. Southee suffered a thumb dislocation injury three weeks ago and subsequently had to undergo surgery to address the issue. This significant setback has ruled him out of the crucial inaugural match of the World Cup, and the extent of his absence may extend further, depending on the progress of his recovery.

Related Tim Southee Stats

Southee’s absence is a notable blow for the New Zealand side. He has been a vital part of their bowling attack, providing experience, skill, and the ability to swing the ball effectively. His absence means that the Kiwis will have to reshuffle their bowling lineup, and the responsibility will fall on other bowlers to step up and fill the void left by Southee’s injury.

In cricket, injuries are an unfortunate reality, and they can disrupt the best-laid plans of any team. The New Zealand team will have to regroup and ensure that they have contingency plans in place to maintain their performance levels despite the absence of such a crucial player.

It’s not just Southee who will be missing from this crucial encounter. New Zealand’s regular captain and batting maestro, Kane Williamson, is also unavailable due to a knee injury. These twin blows certainly present a challenge for the Kiwis, but they are known for their resilience and team spirit, which will undoubtedly drive them to give their best in the tournament.

As the ODI World Cup 2023 begins, fans will be eagerly watching to see how New Zealand copes with these setbacks and how they adapt their strategies in the absence of key players like Southee and Williamson. The tournament promises to be a rollercoaster of excitement, and the teams will be looking to make a strong statement from the very start, injuries notwithstanding.

Eng Playing 11

Jonny Bairstow, Dawid Malan, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jos Buttler(c & wk), Liam Livingstone, Moeen Ali, Sam Curran, Chris Woakes, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood

NZ Playing 11

Devon Conway, Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham(c & wk), Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Mitchell Santner, James Neesham, Matt Henry, Trent Boult