Cricket-NZ's Southee cleared for World Cup after thumb surgery, aiming to play opener

FILE PHOTO: Cricket - One Day International - England v New Zealand - Sophia Gardens, Cardiff, Wales, Britain - September 8, 2023 New Zealand's Tim Southee Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Couldridge/File Photo

(Reuters) - Tim Southee will be part of New Zealand's squad at next month's World Cup after progressing in his recovery from a thumb injury, the country's cricket board (NZC) said on Tuesday, adding that Kyle Jamieson would travel to India as a "contingency".

Fast bowler Southee dislocated and fractured his thumb attempting to take a catch in a one-day international against England earlier this month. He had surgery on Thursday.