Tim Southee, Daryl Mitchell, Finn Allen suffer injuries while fielding during Lord’s ODI

Tim Southee. (Photo Source: Gareth Copley/Getty Images)

The four-match ODI series between England and New Zealand was intriguingly poised at 2-1 in favour of Jos Buttler’s men heading into the final game on Friday, September 15 at Lord’s, London.

With the ODI World Cup starting in less than three weeks, players are trying their best to keep themselves free from injury. However, while playing in an intense series decider, it’s difficult for players to refrain from giving their 100 per cent on the field. In the same light, three New Zealand players suffered injury scares while fielding in the first innings of the fourth ODI.

Daryl Mitchell was the first player to get hurt on the field. He took a breathtaking catch to dismiss Jonny Bairstow off the bowling of Matt Henry. However, he hurt his ring finger and had to leave the field for some treatment. Later, he was spotted wearing a tape but didn’t seem to express any concerning signs of discomfort.

A few overs later, Allen tried to take a one-handed stunner off the bowling of Lister to dismiss Joe Root at gully. However, he couldn’t hold on and eventually caused damage to his finger and had to walk off the field.

The third player to hurt himself on the field was Tim Southee, who tried to take a catch off Ben Lister and injured his right thumb. Blackcaps posted about the injury of their experienced pacer on their ‘X’ handle. They revealed that the extent of the injury would be assessed, and Southee won’t be taking the field as a precautionary measure.

“Tim Southee has left the field having injured his right thumb attempting to take a catch off Ben Lister. The injury requires further assessment and he won’t to return to the field at this stage,” Blackcaps wrote on X.

Tim Southee has left the field having injured his right thumb attempting to take a catch off Ben Lister. The injury requires further assessment and he won’t to return to the field at this stage.#ENGvNZ #CricketNation pic.twitter.com/ChjW8Z1c8J

— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) September 15, 2023

Kiwi fans will be concerned, especially with the injuries to Mitchell and Southee, as they are in New Zealand’s squad for the impending ODI World Cup.