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ODI World Cup 2023: Kane Williamson’s campaign in doubt with fractured thumb, Blundell named cover

New Zealand captain Kane Williamson has been ruled out of the upcoming World Cup matches after suffering a fractured thumb.

However, head coach Gary Stead remained optimistic about Williamson’s chances at some stage of the tournament.

While Tom Blundell has been named as his replacement, but Williamson will remain with the team and see if he is available next month, New Zealand Cricket said in a statement on Saturday.

“An X-ray has confirmed an undisplaced fracture to Kane Williamson’s left thumb, after he was struck by a throw while running between the wickets in Friday’s match against Bangladesh in Chennai,” NZC said in a statement released on Saturday.

Coach Gary Stead spoke on the matter and said, “Firstly, we’re all feeling for Kane to have this occur after all his hard work to return from his knee injury,” Stead said.

Festive offer

“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.”

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“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.”