Matt Henry has been ruled out of 2023 WC [X.com]
In a significant setback for New Zealand, experienced pacer Matt Henry has been ruled out of the ongoing World Cup due to a hamstring injury. Notably, the seamer pulled his right hamstring while bowling in the previous game against South Africa.
Following the incident, he walked off the field and didn't return to the ground to complete his quota of overs. Scans revealed a grade two tear in his hamstring, and as a result, he won't further participate in the competition.
While Kyle Jamieson has been roped in as his replacement, it will be a tough call for the BlackCaps to pick him over Lockie Ferguson in the all-important clash against Pakistan on Saturday.
Although Jamieson has the ability to make the new ball talk, New Zealand already have a formidable new ball bowling pair, comprising the experienced duo of Tim Southee and Trent Boult. Therefore, they need a third seamer, a role that Ferguson can play better than Jamieson.
Hailed for his pace, Ferguson can also hit the deck hard and challenge the Pakistani batters. In five outings, the speedster has scalped eight wickets, including two three-wicket hauls, at a decent economy of 5.58. Therefore, in all likelihood, Ferguson will replace Henry in the Kiwi playing XI for this game.
Also, Jimmy Neesham was hit on his wrist in the South Africa game, so, if he misses out, Mark Chapman might replace him in the lower middle order.
New Zealand's Probable Playing XI Vs Pakistan
Will Young, Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (C/WK), Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Trent Boult, Lockie Ferguson
 "Debashis Sarangi")
