Veteran fast bowler is set to be part of New Zealand squad for ODI World Cup 2023

Tim Southee, the seasoned fast bowler, has received clearance to join New Zealand's ODI World Cup squad in India despite recovering from right thumb surgery. The 34-year-old, who sustained the injury during a recent ODI against England, is expected to fly to India on Saturday, with hopes that he'll be fit for the opening match on October 5 in Ahmedabad.

"Tim Southee's been cleared to join the BLACKCAPS in India later this week as he continues to progress his recovery from surgery on his fractured right thumb," the statement issued by NZC.

In the absence of the veteran pacer, Kyle Jamieson has been included in the squad as cover after recently helping secure a 2-0 victory over Bangladesh. Despite his presence in the 15-member World Cup squad, Jamieson won't participate in warm-up games.

New Zealand team (Source: Twitter)

Meanwhile, captain Kane Williamson, recovering from an ACL injury sustained in the IPL, may miss New Zealand's opening World Cup match. The second group of players and support staff departs from Christchurch on Wednesday, with five World Cup-bound members joining later.

"As a contingency, pace-bowler Kyle Jamieson will also join the World Cup squad in India this week to train, following the BLACKCAPS current ODI series in Bangladesh. Jamieson will not officially be part of the World Cup squad and therefore not available to play in any of the warm-up matches scheduled for Friday against Pakistan and Monday against South Africa. If fit, Southee, who featured in the 2011 ODI World Cup in India, will be playing in his fourth 50-over showpiece,” was also informed in the statement.

New Zealand to play Pakistan in their first warm-up match

The New Zealand team is expected to touch down on Indian soil by August 27 and will be gearing up for their first warmup match against Pakistan. Before engaging in the World Cup opener against England, New Zealand is scheduled to face Pakistan and South Africa in warm-up matches on September 29 and October 2, respectively.

This will be crucial for someone like Williamson who is coming back from a career-threatening injury and will be looking to live up to his reputation.