New Zealand seamer Tim Southee has been cleared to join the team at the ODI World Cup in India as he recovers from thumb surgery.

The 34-year-old bowler hopes to be fit for the Black Caps’ opening game of the tournament against reigning champions England on 5 October in Ahmedabad.

Southee, New Zealand’s Test captain, underwent surgery last week after he fractured and dislocated his right thumb in an ODI against England on 15 September.

Pace bowler Kyle Jamieson will train with the squad in India as a back-up, after New Zealand on Tuesday wrapped up a ODI series win in Bangladesh.

Jamieson will not officially be part of the World Cup squad and won’t play in warm-up matches against Pakistan on Friday and South Africa next Monday.

New Zealand beat Bangladesh 2-0 in the three-match series following a seven-wicket win in the final ODI in Dhaka. They won the second match by 86 runs on Saturday after the series opener was washed out by rain.

© Agence France-Presse