Fast bowler Matt Henry has been called into the New Zealand squad ahead of the first Test against India. Henry will join the Test squad as cover for Neil Wagner, who’s awaiting the birth of his first child.
Earlier, New Zealand preferred tall pacer, Kyle Jamieson, over Mat Henry in the initial 13-man squad for India Test squad. Henry last featured in the New Year’s Test against Australia in Sydney in which he ended up picking just two wickets.
Henry had played an instrumental role in New Zealand’s World Cup semi-final win over India last year. He had returned with figures of 3/37 and helped his side secure an 18-run victory over the Men in Blue at the Old Trafford.
Wagner remained at home in Tauranga as his team-mates assembled in the capital on Tuesday for Friday’s first Test against India. New Zealand are expected to hand Jamieson a debut if Wagner fails to take part in the training session on Thursday morning ahead of the Test match.
However, New Zealand will be bolstered with the return of their premium pacer Trent Boult, who was out of action for the past six weeks due to a fracture on his right hand sustained during the Boxing Day Test against Australia.
Trent Boult is ready to challenge India captain Virat Kohli on his return to international cricket during the two-Test series starting on Friday.
“That’s personally why I play the game, to get guys like that (Kohli) out and test myself against them, so I can’t wait to get stuck in. But he’s an exceptional player. Everyone knows how great he is,” Boult said, sending out a warning after landing in the capital city for the opening Test.
New Zealand 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.
