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Williamson 'hopeful' about thumb injury at Cricket World Cup

October 14, 2023
Kane Williamson retires hurt against Bangladesh at the Cricket World Cup.

The Black Caps are once again sweating on the status of Kane Williamson after he was again injured in this morning's Cricket World Cup match.

New Zealand's comfortable eight-wicket win over Bangladesh in Chennai was marred by Williamson's sudden departure after he was struck on the thumb while running between the wickets.

Williamson dropped his bat in visible discomfort and soon after retired hurt on 78 despite receiving immediate medical attention on field after the incident.

Williamson said after the match he was unsure about the severity of damage.

"It got a bit fat and colourful straight away so it made holding the bat a bit difficult," Williamson said.

"I've got a scan tomorrow so hopefully it's ok."

It added a sour note to Williamson's promising return from seven months on the sideline with a serious knee injury he sustained earlier this year in the Indian Premier League.

It was initially thought Williamson's World Cup was over at the time with his knee requiring surgery but the diligent batsman managed to recover in time and had positive performances in warm-up matches prior to the tournament before making his first appearance at this year's World Cup this morning.

Williamson said his knee was fine as he praised his side's "really nice" performance which saw Daryl Mitchell star with 89 not out as well as Devon Conway hitting 45 at the top of the order.

But it was seamer Lockie Ferguson who was awarded Player of the Match for his efforts with the ball in the first innings where he finished with figures of 3-49.

It was the Black Caps' third straight win at the tournament and put them atop the points table with six points, following victories over England and the Netherlands.

"On that surface the seam bowlers were really effective and for Lockie to get some reward today, he keeps running in and bowling with high pace," Williamson said.

"An outstanding effort from that seam attack and the spinners as well."

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