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The 2019 ODI World Cup runners-up, New Zealand had a dream start to the 2023 Cricket World Cup as they beat reigning champions, England by nine wickets in the tournament opener on October 5 at the Narendra Modi Stadium. While the Kiwis missed some of their key players in skipper Kane Williamson, Tim Southee, who are still regaining fitness for the marquee tournament.
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But ahead of their next clash against Netherlands, the New Zealand head coach, Gary Stead provided a major update on the injury concerns. In a video shared by the BlackCaps, Gary Stead confirmed that Kane Williamson will continue to stay on the sidelines for New Zealand’s next 2023 World Cup match. However, Lockie Ferguson and Tim Southee are likely to make a comeback.
“Kane’s been progressing very well. I think the fielding is still the element for him that he’s just got to get a little bit higher, and he gets a little bit more trust in his body,” Stead said in the update.
However, he further confirmed that Kane will be featuring in the side’s third match in ODI World Cup 2023, which is set to take place on Friday, October 13 against Bangladesh. “He’s progressing really well and we are pretty confident he will be playing the third match for us. We have got another training to get through today so we will finalise the team once we have got through that training,” he further added.
Talking about Lockie Ferguson and Tim Southee, who sat out in the opener against England, Gary Stead hinted on their return to the side for the match against Netherlands on Monday, October 9.
“Lockie Ferguson got through training really well so providing he is scrubbed up okay this morning, he will be available for this next game. Time Southee also got through the training really well,” he said.