Photo Credit: ICC
Matt Henry has been ruled out of the ICC Cricket World Cup in India with a torn right hamstring and has been replaced in the BLACKCAPS squad by Kyle Jamieson.
Henry sustained the injury during Wednesday’s match against South Africa in Pune, with an MRI scan confirming he has a grade two lower tear which will require at least two to four weeks to recover from.
Coach Gary Stead said the whole team was thinking of Henry.
“We’re gutted for him,” Stead said in Bengaluru.
“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 testament to his class and skills.
“Moreover, Matt’s a great team man and we’re all going to miss his personality and experience.”
Jamieson arrived into Bengaluru late on Thursday and was expected to train with the team on Friday.
It’s been quite a journey for the 28-year-old who underwent back-surgery in February and has already been with the squad in India as training cover earlier in the tournament.
Stead said Jamieson was ready to go for Saturday’s game against Pakistan if required.
“We’re fortunate to have a player of the class of Kyle waiting in the wings,” he said.
“His skills and physical attributes always make him a threat with the ball and it’s an added bonus he was able to train with us in the first two weeks of the tournament.
“Kyle’s had to work really hard to return from two separate back injuries and I know he’s really excited about being involved in his first ODI World Cup.”
The BLACKCAPS sit fourth on the World Cup ladder with two round-robin games remaining against Pakistan on Saturday and Sri Lanka in Thursday, both in Bengaluru.
