Matt Henry joins New Zealand’s mounting injury list; Jamieson called in as cover
Lockie Ferguson, who hurt his achilles against Australia, is likely to be fit for the Pakistan game
Fast bowler Matt Henry hurt his right hamstring during the World Cup match between South Africa and New Zealand in Pune and left the field midway through his sixth over. James Neesham completed the over, the 27th of South Africa’s innings, and went on to finish with 1 for 69 in 5.3 overs.
Henry received treatment with the team management hopeful they could strap him up and have him back on the field but later confirmed he would not return to bowl. New Zealand Cricket said he will be sent for a scan on Thursday. Henry did come to bat at No. 11, with New Zealand 133 for 9 chasing 358 and desperate to reduce the margin of defeat. He faced nine deliveries but could not run, as Glenn Phillips took the score to 167 before he was the last man to fall in the 36th over.
New Zealand have subsequently brought in Kyle Jamieson as cover into the squad. Jamieson will arrive in Bengaluru on Thursday ahead of Saturday’s game against Pakistan.
“The severity of Matt’s injury, combined with a short turnaround to Pakistan, meant we couldn’t risk being a bowler down for Saturday,” head coach Gary Stead said.
“Matt’s been a world class performer for us in ODI cricket for the past two World Cup cycles so we’ve got our fingers crossed for the scan results later today.”
Stead said Jamieson was well prepared to return to India.
“Kyle’s on his way over as we speak and we look forward to welcoming him back into the group. He’ll likely train with us on Friday with a mind to being available for Saturday’s game.
“Kyle was able to train for two full weeks with us earlier in the tournament and has since played a Plunket Shield match – so we’re confident he’ll be able to hit the ground running.”
There was another injury issue for New Zealand as well, with Neesham suffering a blow on the wrist of his right hand during his follow-through. He came out to bat at No. 9, below Mitchell Santner and Tim Southee, with New Zealand 109 for 7 in their chase of 357. NZC said an X-ray had “cleared him of any broken bones”.
Meanwhile, Lockie Ferguson, who hurt his achilles against Australia, is likely to be fit for the next game. “Lockie Ferguson’s scan on his right achilles revealed no significant damage and it’s hoped he’ll be available for Saturday’s game against Pakistan in Bengaluru,” NZC said in a statement after the game.
