NZ vs PAK: Matt Henry Replaces Injured Neil Wagner in New Zealand Test Squad
Matt Henry replaces injured Neil Wagner in the second test against Pakistan, starting on Sunday at Hagley Oval.
New Zealand, on Friday, announced the replacement for the injured Neil Wagner, who ruled out of the second Test against Pakistan starting in Christchurch from Sunday, January 03.
Matt Henry is going to replace Neil Wagner in the second Test. Wagner was hurt while batting in the first Test, despite which he bowled in both innings. New Zealand coach Gary Stead, on Friday, revealed that Wagner has ruled out of the Test series due to broken toes and he will be away from cricket at least for six weeks.
Wagner’s absence will be a massive blow for the black caps as they won the first Test of the series in the last half an hour of the match – climbing to the top of the ICC Test team rankings for the first time in their history.
Matt Henry has 30 wickets to his name in the longest format of the game. The Canterbury fast bowler is being rewarded for his recent form which saw him register figures of 6-53 for New Zealand ‘A’ against Pakistan Shaheens in December. The 29-year-old has also taken seven wickets from four Ford Trophy matches this season for Canterbury.
“Matt has been in good form with the ball,” coach Gary Stead said.
“We’re still a couple of days out from the Test, so need to take a look at the surface while also assessing our options for best possible team make-up.”
Neil Wagner took 2 wickets and bowled 28 overs in the first Test against Pakistan. The black caps beat Pakistan by 101 runs in the last hour of play in the first Test at Mount Maunganui and are up 1-0 in the two-match series.
New Zealand Squad For Second Test:
The squad for the second Test: Kane Williamson (c), Tom Blundell, Trent Boult, Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, BJ Watling, Will Young.
