Matt Henry has been absent from New Zealand’s bowling attack on Day 5 of the Christchurch Test, and the reason is an untimely injury that has left the hosts severely depleted.
Henry walked off the field after completing his 11th over on Day 4 and did not return to bowl or field for the remainder of the day. The New Zealand pacer was later taken for scans after experiencing discomfort in his calf. According to the team management, the injury was serious enough to rule him out of further participation in the ongoing Test.
New Zealand’s troubles didn’t end there. Seam-bowling allrounder Nathan Smith also went off with a side strain and was unavailable to bowl, leaving the hosts with only part-time options to support the overworked Zakary Foulkes, Jacob Duffy, and spinners Michael Bracewell and Rachin Ravindra.
Henry had bowled 11 overs for 29 runs and one wicket before the injury occurred.
Bowling coach Jacob Oram confirmed that both Henry and Smith underwent scans and the team is awaiting full reports to determine their availability for the remainder of the series. With wicketkeeper Tom Blundell and middle-order batter Daryl Mitchell also sidelined due to injuries, New Zealand’s depth has been severely tested.
Oram said,
“They’ve had scans and it’s really disappointing for them. We’re basically waiting for the report to come back to decide what we’re going to be doing not only this Test match but the series going forward.”
With one day left and a quick turnaround before the second Test at the Basin Reserve on December 10, New Zealand may be forced into multiple changes, depending on Henry’s and Smith’s scan results.
