New Zealand pacer Matt Henry who hurt his shoulder during their semifinal win over South Africa, is a doubtful starter for the Champions Trophy final against India on Sunday. Henry, who is the highest wicket-taker in the tournament so far, picked up an injury while taking the catch to dismiss Heinrich Klaasen on Wednesday at Lahore.
On Thursday, New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner had remained optimistic about Henry’s availability for the final given there is a three-day rest in between. Moreover, after hurting himself, Henry not only came back to field but alp bowled.
However, speaking to the media on Friday in Dubai, New Zealand head coach Gary Stead said the status of Henry is unknown.
“I guess the positive thing from our perspective is he got back out there to bowl,” Stead said. “We’ve had some scans and stuff done on him, and we’re going to give him every chance to be playing in this match. It’s still a little bit unknown at this stage,” he added.
In recent times since the 2019 World Cup semifinal, Henry has caused all sorts of problems for India’s top-order with his pace and movement. Even in the group stage fixture, Henry walked away with five wickets against India as he troubled them with his seam movement early in the innings.
In case Henry is unavailable, Jacob Duffy is likely to take his spot.
Having arrived from Lahore on Thursday, New Zealand are not training on Friday.
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