Kane Williamson, returning to cricket after six months following an ACL injury, retired hurt with an injured thumb during New Zealand’s match with Bangladesh in the 2023 World Cup.
Williamson tore his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in the opening game of IPL 2023 and was ruled out of the entire tournament. He was on crutches and using a brace on his knee as he envisioned his return at the World Cup. He is doubtful to be a starter for the event in India as he underwent surgery, but his rapid recovery led the selection committee to select him.
Williamson did not start in either warm-up game before the World Cup, but struggled in both games, scoring 37 points with 54 not out. However, he did not feature in New Zealand’s first two matches at the World Cup, against England and the Netherlands, as he was not yet fully fit.
In his first professional match in over six months against Bangladesh in Chennai on October 13, he managed to score 78 runs, but was forced to retire due to injury after banging his thumb. Ta.
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On the first ball of the 38th over, Williamson on 77 hit a single after pushing the ball towards mid-off. Shakib Al Hasan quickly picked up the ball and threw it towards the non-striker, but the ball deflected wide of the goal and hit Williamson’s thumb.
Williamson was visibly in pain from the punch and had his left thumb bandaged and sprayed. He then started hitting again, much to the surprise of commentator Simon Dole. That would have been better than the pain he was feeling right now. ”
He had to face two more pitches before getting hurt and deciding to retire with a 78. Chasing 246 runs, New Zealand won by eight wickets, recording their third World Cup win in as many matches.
Williamson gave an update on his injury after the game: “(The ball) made it a little difficult to grip the bat.”
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