Matt Henry’s journey in the ICC Cricket World Cup came to an abrupt halt when he sustained a torn right hamstring during the match against South Africa in Pune. An MRI scan confirmed that the injury was a grade two lower tear, necessitating a recovery period of at least two to four weeks. This news came as a crushing blow not only to Henry but also to the entire BLACKCAPS team.
Matt Henry’s absence is deeply felt because he has been a consistent and valuable asset to the One Day International (ODI) side for a significant period. His inclusion among the ICC’s top 10 ODI bowlers for the past few years is a testament to his class and skills as a fast bowler. The BLACKCAPS have relied on him for his ability to pick up crucial wickets and maintain pressure on the opposition.
“We’re gutted for him. Matt’s been a crucial part of our One Day side for a long time, and to see him ruled out as we reach the business end of this tournament is immensely disappointing. He’s consistently been ranked inside the ICC top 10 ODI bowlers for the past few years, which is a testament to his class and skills. Moreover, Matt’s a great team man, and we’re all going to miss his personality and experience,” Coach Stead said in Bengaluru.
In the face of adversity, the BLACKCAPS have found a capable replacement in Kyle Jamieson. The 28-year-old fast bowler arrived in Bengaluru as Henry’s replacement. Jamieson has had a remarkable journey, having undergone back surgery in February. He had previously been with the squad in India as a training cover earlier in the tournament.
Coach Stead has expressed confidence in Jamieson’s abilities, stating that he is ready for the upcoming game against Pakistan. Jamieson’s height and pace, coupled with his swing and seam movement, make him a potent threat with the ball. The fact that he had the opportunity to train with the team in the initial weeks of the tournament only adds to his readiness.
Matt Henry has been ruled out of the @cricketworldcup with a torn right hamstring and has been replaced in the squad by Kyle Jamieson. An MRI scan confirmed he has a grade two lower tear which will require at least 2 to 4 weeks to recover from. #CWC23 https://t.co/HXmethEthZ
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) November 3, 2023
Head coach on Jamieson, “We’re fortunate to have a player of the class of Kyle waiting in the wings. His skills and physical attributes always make him a threat with the ball, and it’s a bonus he was able to train with us in the first two weeks of the tournament. Kyle’s had to work hard to return from two separate back injuries, and I know he’s excited about being involved in his first ODI World Cup.”
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The BLACKCAPS currently sit fourth on the World Cup ladder with two round-robin games remaining. Their next matches are against Pakistan on Saturday and Sri Lanka on Thursday, both in Bengaluru. Adding Kyle Jamieson to the squad gives them an extra dimension and depth in their bowling attack as they strive to secure a spot in the semi-finals.
