ODI World Cup 2023: Kane Williamson's scans reveal fractured thumb, Tom Blundell called in as cover

The ODI World Cup 2023 has been quite the treat for New Zealand so far. The 2019 finalists are currently unbeaten in the competition, and the side has dominated the  three games in the tournament so far that they have played.

However, one thing of concern to the team has been the number of injuries that have plagued the team. The Black Caps played the first two matches without the services of ace batter Kane Williamson. However, the side had their skipper back and in form as well for their third World Cup game, against Bangladesh.

Aiming to chase down 246, the Black Caps put forth a sensational performance, with Williamson playing a brilliant knock of 78 off 107, however, he suffered a setback when a throw from Taskin Ahmed was hit on his left thumb in the 38th over.

Williamson walked off the field retired hurt after batting for a few balls after taking the hit. It was confirmed that scans will be done on the 33-year-old on October 14 night and as per the latest update, there is an undisplaced fracture to Williamson’s left thumb, New Zealand Cricket confirmed. Tom Blundell has been called in as his cover.

An X-ray has confirmed an undisplaced fracture to Kane Williamson’s left thumb.
 
He will remain in the @cricketworldcup squad with the aim of being available for the back end of pool play next month.
 
Tom Blundell will travel to India as cover. #CWC23 https://t.co/5CjHG0FV9h

— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) October 14, 2023

Shakib Al Hasan taken for scans following injury as well

Apart from New Zealand, their opponents, Bangladesh, were hit with a major setback as well after skipper Shakib Al Hasan injured himself. The 36-year-old was not present for Bangladesh’s final moments in their recent loss to New Zealand.

Shakib picked up an injury in his quads while running for a single in the first innings, and even suffered through cramps in the match as well. After he missed the final stages of the game, stand-in skipper Najmul Shanto told Shakib will be taken for scans on October 14 as well. Only after that will the medical staff be able to assess the extent of his injury. The side will hope that it is nothing serious, as the skipper is undoubtedly one of the most experienced and crucial members of the team.