New Zealand has shown faith in their seasoned campaigners, Kane Williamson, Tim Southee and Trent Boult for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 in the West Indies and the USA, starting June 01, 2024.
Williamson, aged 33 is set to play in his sixth T20 World Cup out of which he has captained the Black Caps in four of them. Southee, aged 35 will be featuring in his seventh edition, and Boult aged 34 his fifth. This could possibly be the last time they feature in a T20 World Cup for New Zealand.
What’s the fitness mantra?
Despite being on the other side of 30’s, their extreme level fitness have earned them their seats on the plane to the USA and the Caribbean.
Williamson had broken his knee in the 2023 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) and since then had been training closely with the medical team back home in New Zealand.
His successful recovery is serving as an inspiration to his teammates and supporters, reaffirming his status as a key player not just at the IPL but also for the Kiwis.
What was the recovery like?
Under the guidance of medical experts and team physiotherapists, Kane Williamson diligently followed a rehabilitation program tailored to his injury.
This involved a combination of rest, physiotherapy sessions, and targeted exercises to strengthen the affected area. Williamson displayed determination and patience throughout his recovery process, prioritizing his health and well-being.
As he gradually regained fitness, Kane returned to training and eventually back to the field, showcasing his resilience and commitment to the game.
What about Trent Boult & Tim Southee?
Similarly, Trent Boult and Tim Southee being two of the premium quick bowlers with age not on their side have developed high risk of injuries.
Their fitness regime includes rest and recovery after every game to get themselves the time to heal.
Boult and Southee, over a couple of years have worked closely with physiotherapists and trainers who have been helping them with exercises to strengthen their muscles and improve flexibility.
Post games, they also have treatments like massages or ice baths to reduce swelling and pain.
Once they start feeling better, they gradually ease back into training and bowling, taking it step by step to avoid reinjuring themselves. Considering their age, It’s important for them to listen to their bodies and not rush the recovery process, so they can come back stronger and ready to play again.
In an era where T20 cricket is often associated with youngsters, New Zealand is challenging the notion by including the seasoned veterans like Williamson, Southee, and Boult in their roster, reshaping the perceptions of the game.
New Zealand’s T20 World Cup campaign kicks off against Afghanistan in Guyana on June 7th, 2024. Following this exciting opener, they will face off against co-hosts West Indies, Uganda, and Papua New Guinea in subsequent Group C fixtures.
New Zealand’s squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024:
Kane Williamson (C), Finn Allen, Trent Boult, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee.
Travelling Reserve: Ben Sears
New Zealand ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 squad announcement:
The Sportz Planet Desk,
Atharva Shetye.
