ICC World Cup 2023: Kane Williamson fractures his thumb; and will be out for a few weeks

New Zealand cricket team captain Kane Williamson has refractured his thumb in the game against Bangladesh. It is an "undisplaced fracture" on the left hand's thumb, New Zealand cricket on Saturday have confirmed.

Although Kane will not feature in the next few games, he will be there with the squad "with the aim of being available for the back end of pool play next month". Wicket-keeper batter Tom Blundell will be sent to India as a cover for him as the Kiwi team looks to keep their stay at the top of the points table of ICC World Cup 2023.

Also Read: India vs Pakistan: ICC ODI Cricket World Cup 2023 Live Blog | Hardik Pandya sends Imam back to the dressing room for 36

"Firstly, we're all feeling for Kane to have this occur after all his hard work to return from his knee injury," coach Gary Stead said.

"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.

"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," head coach went on to add.

Kane Willimason was coming back from an injury he suffered during IPL 2023 and had already missed two games in the ICC World Cup 2023. Williamson hurt his finger while completing a run in the game against Bangladesh in the 38th over. The ball had hit hist left hand's thumb which is the only unpadded area of the glove.

First, Kane tried to keep on playing by tapping the wrists, before he retried hurt in the 39th over.

With Kane not being in the playing eleven, Tom Latham will be back to his captaincy duties for the Kiwi team till Willamson makes a comeback to the team.

New Zealand will face Afghanistan next in Chennai on October 18.