Tim Southee Out of South Africa Test

Wellington: New Zealand Cricket (NZC) today announced that Tim Southee will not travel to South Africa for the upcoming Test series due to injury.

Southee suffered extensive damage to his thumb while diving in the fielding during the recent Plunket Shield match between Northern Knights and Wellington Firebirds.

Kiwis Physiotherapist, Paul Close, said: "Tim Southee has unfortunately been ruled out of the Test series against South Africa. He landed heavily on his thumb while fielding, with scans indicating the ligament has fully ruptured and retracted. After consultation with NZC medical staff and a hand specialist it was decided the best course of action is for him to have surgery."

"The procedure is likely to keep him out of the game for 6-8 weeks, " Close added.

A decision on Southee's replacement is yet to be made.

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