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Xtra Time Web Desk: In what comes as a huge boost for New Zealand cricket team, experienced pacer Tim Southee has been given the go ahead by the medical team to travel to India for upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. Southee is continuing his recovery from a thumb surgery. The 34-year-old is set to depart for the ICC Cricket World Cup this Saturday, with the goal of being fit for the team's tournament opener against England on October 5 in Ahmedabad.

As a precautionary measure, fast bowler Kyle Jamieson will also travel to India to train with the World Cup squad. Jamieson, however, won't be officially included in the World Cup squad and will not participate in the warm-up matches scheduled against Pakistan on Friday and South Africa on Monday.

This development underscores New Zealand's commitment to ensuring the availability of key players like Southee for the crucial opening encounter. Southee's experience and skill as a paceman have been vital to the team's success in recent years, making his presence essential in the World Cup campaign.

While the players featuring in the recently concluded ODI series against Bangladesh will arrive in India directly, the remainder of the BlackCaps players and support staff are set to depart from Christchurch on Wednesday, marking the team's final preparations before their campaign in the highly anticipated ICC Cricket World Cup. New Zealand fans will be eagerly anticipating their team's performance as they aim to make a significant impact on the global cricket stage.