New Zealand has replaced Neil Wagner with fast bowler Matt Henry in the squad for the first Test against India. Wagner, who is awaiting the birth of his child, will remain in Tauranga with his wife till after the birth of his child.
New Zealand Cricket has confirmed that Henry will arrive in Wellington on Wednesday evening to prepare for the Test series that begins on Friday. The official twitter handle of New Zealand Cricket also confirmed that Wagner will not join the team.
Henry will join the likes of Trent Boult, Tim Southee and Kyle Jamieson in the pace options for New Zealand. Experts have estimated that the possibility of the Kiwis playing for fast bowlers could not be ruled out, as the Basin Reserve pitch had a very green look two days before the Test, with 18 mm grass covering the entirety of the pitch except for a slightly bare patch at one end.
Even though Lockie Ferguson has returned to play in New Zealand’s domestic Ford Trophy, coach Gary Stead said that his “loads aren’t anywhere near for us to be able to consider him for four-day [Test] cricket.”
Stead had said picking Jamieson over Henry in the initial squad was a “tough call,” despite Jamieson and Henry playing in the same team. Jamieson is in the line for a Test debut after impressing in the recent ODIs.
Henry, on the other hand, has not boasted of major records, with 12 Tests to his name, including the Sydney game against Australia last month in which he finished with 1 for 94. In another game, he was 1 for 54 in New Zealand’s 279-run loss before being dropped from the team.
Overall, Henry has played 12 matches, taking 30 Test wickets with an average of over 50. He has played two Tests against India, both in the country in 2016. In last year’s World Cup semi-final, Henry was instrumental in New Zealand’s win against India with his 3 for 37.
New Zealand is hoping to recreate the magic of the World Cup this time around as well, especially since they are currently placed sixth with only one win from six games. India, on the other hand, is on top of the leader board with seven wins from as many games.
Test squad: Kane Williamson (capt.) Tom Blundell, Trent Boult, Colin de Grandhomme, Kyle Jamieson, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Ajaz Patel, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, Neil Wagner, BJ Watling, Matt Henry.
