Image Credit- Getty
During the World Cup match between South Africa and
New Zealand in Pune, fast bowler Matt Henry injured his right hamstring and had
to leave the pitch halfway through his sixth over. After finishing the 27th
over of South Africa’s innings, James Neesham finished with 1 for 69 in 5.3
overs.
Henry was treated by the team management in the hopes
that they could bandage him and get him back on the pitch, but it was later
announced that he would not be going back to bowl. According to New Zealand
Cricket, a scan will be performed on him on Thursday. Henry did bat at number
eleven, with New Zealand 133 for 9, needing to cut the deficit to 358 runs in
order to win. He was up against nine deliveries, yet he could not run, as Glenn
Phillips took the score to 167 before he was the last man to fall in the 36th
over.
In response, New Zealand added Kyle Jamieson to the
team as a backup. Prior to the match against Pakistan on Saturday, Jamieson is
scheduled to arrive in Bengaluru on Thursday.
“The severity of Matt’s injury, combined with a
short turnaround to Pakistan, meant we couldn’t risk being a bowler down for
Saturday,” head coach Gary Stead said.
“Matt’s been a world class performer for us in
ODI cricket for the past two World Cup cycles so we’ve got our fingers crossed
for the scan results later today.”
Stead said Jamieson was well prepared to return to
India.
“Kyle’s on his way over as we speak and we look
forward to welcoming him back into the group. He’ll likely train with us on
Friday with a mind to being available for Saturday’s game.
“Kyle was able to train for two full weeks with
us earlier in the tournament and has since played a Plunket Shield match – so
we’re confident he’ll be able to hit the ground running.”