Now Reading: Matt Henry Ruled Out of Rest of India T20Is as Kiwis Reshuffle Pace Attack
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Matt Henry Ruled Out of Rest of India T20Is as Kiwis Reshuffle Pace Attack
Matt Henry Ruled Out of Rest of India T20Is as Kiwis Reshuffle Pace Attack
New Zealand have taken a major hit in the T20I series against India. Pacer Matt Henry is out for the rest of the series after bowling just two overs in the second game. Lockie Ferguson will also miss the third T20I in Wellington. Here is what changes for the Kiwis.
Henry Out, Ferguson Sidelined
Henry left the field after two overs in the second T20I. New Zealand have now confirmed he will play no further part in the T20I leg.
Ferguson also left the field during that match. He will not feature in the third T20I in Wellington.
The double blow strips the Kiwis of two senior seamers at a crucial stage of the series.
What New Zealand Cricket Said
The board has laid out clear plans for both bowlers. Henry will stay in Christchurch rather than travel with the T20I group.
“Matt Henry will remain in Christchurch and assemble with the ODI squad on November 2 in Auckland. Lockie Ferguson will depart to Auckland today and re-join the squad for the final two T20Is at Eden Park and Seddon Park respectively.” – New Zealand Cricket
So Ferguson’s absence is limited to one match, while Henry’s runs through the T20I series.
Kyle Jamieson Gets the Nod in Wellington
Kyle Jamieson has yet to feature in the T20I series. He will now play the third T20I in Wellington.
His stay is short, though. After that game, Jamieson leaves to play in the domestic ODI Cup.
He will miss the remaining two T20Is but is set to return for the ODI leg of the tour.
A Defeat From a Winning Position
The timing stings. New Zealand lost the second T20I from a winning position, and Henry’s early exit left a gap in the attack.
With a key bowler off the field after two overs, the Kiwis never fully recovered their grip on the game.
Why New Zealand Are Protecting Henry
This looks like a cautious call. Henry remains New Zealand’s key bowler against India, and the management does not want to take chances.
The Kiwis believe they have enough depth in their T20I attack. What they need is Henry fit for the ODIs and Tests.
His record against India explains the thinking.
| Format | Matches | Wickets | Average | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ODIs | 11 | 21 | 21.00 | – |
| Tests | 4 | 16 | 25.44 | 49.06 |
Numbers That Speak Volumes
In 11 ODIs against the Men in Blue, Henry has taken 21 wickets at an average of 21.00. In red-ball cricket, he has 16 wickets in four Tests at 25.44, with a strike rate of 49.06.
Those figures show why New Zealand would rather rest him now than risk losing him for the bigger formats.
What Happens Next
The series moves to Wellington for the third T20I with a reshaped pace attack. Jamieson is in for one game, and Ferguson will be back at Eden Park and Seddon Park for the final two.
Henry’s next target is the ODI squad assembly in Auckland on November 2.
New Zealand have lost a key weapon, but they are betting that depth will carry them through the T20Is. The real test comes when the longer formats begin and Henry returns to face India.
