On Friday, New Zealand skipper Brendon McCullum canceled any fears over pace spearhead Tim Southee’s involvement in Saturday’s ICC World Cup match against co-host Australia, and said that he is hoped to play in an unchanged squad.
On Thursday Tim Southee got a nasty blow when struck by a throw from his own teammate Adam Milne during fielding practice and fell to the ground in pain, gripping the back of his right shoulder.
The Kiwi skipper said that Tim Southee is all right, it was just a bolt to his shoulder. He also added that je is good and bowled well in net and went through his practice, so they expect him to play.
The 26 years old is key to New Zealand expects having taken 11 wickets in 3 games, the most in the ICC World Cup, with a best of 7 wickets contributing 33 runs against England in Wellington on last Friday. It was the best bowling presentation in all one-day cricket by a New Zealander and 3rd best in World Cup history.
Brendon McCullum said Black Caps will field the same squad that has appeared in the first 3 games. McCullum added that they are playing the same squad. So far, so good with all the wounds. He thinks the boys have really stood up, presented well and the permutations combinations have worked quiet well.
He said that the structure of this ICC World Cup allows them to freshen up some cricketers. It is hard on the cricketers who are not playing but at some point in time in this ICC World Cup, they will have the chance to make an impact by having a match.
New Zealand are standing at top of Pool A with 6 points from 3 wins in as many games. Australia have 3 points from their victory over England and the rained-off match against Bangladesh.
The top 4 from each of the two pools of 7 teams will qualify for the quarter-finals.