New Zealand hopes Matt Henry will be fit for the Champions Trophy final against India after suffering a shoulder injury. He is the tournament’s leading wicket-taker, having taken 10 wickets. Coach Gary Stead is optimistic, while options for Henry’s replacement include Jacob Duffy and Nathan Smith. The match will take place in Dubai as India has not traveled to Pakistan for previous matches.
New Zealand is optimistic that pace bowler Matt Henry will recover in time to play against India in the Champions Trophy final scheduled for Sunday in Dubai. Henry, who is 33 years old and currently the tournament’s leading wicket-taker, sustained a right shoulder injury while attempting to make a catch during the semi-final against South Africa. The team’s coach, Gary Stead, indicated they are awaiting scan results and expressed hope for Henry’s fitness.
Stead acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding Henry’s condition, stating, “It is still a little bit of an unknown. He is obviously pretty sore. [We are] hopeful he will be OK.” Henry has performed admirably in the tournament, claiming ten wickets across four matches, which surpasses India’s Mohammed Shami, who has taken eight. Despite his injury, Henry managed to return and bowl additional overs after sustaining the injury.
Should Henry be unable to play, options for his replacement include pace bowler Jacob Duffy or fast-bowling all-rounder Nathan Smith. Stead noted, “It was pretty uncomfortable. The positive thing for us is he got back out there to bowl. We are going to give him every chance to be playing in this match.” New Zealand arrived back in Dubai after their semi-final in Lahore, facing India again after a previous defeat in the group stage by 44 runs.
Due to India’s refusal to play in Pakistan, the final will also take place in Dubai. This situation has sparked ongoing discussions about the advantages India has gained from competing exclusively in Dubai. However, Stead downplayed these concerns, remarking, “It is a little bit out of our control. They are not decisions that come across my desk anyway.”
In summary, New Zealand’s hopes for Matt Henry’s participation in the Champions Trophy final hinge on the results of his scans following a shoulder injury. As the tournament’s leading wicket-taker, his absence would significantly impact the team’s strategy against India, which has benefited from playing all matches in Dubai. The situation remains fluid as the team evaluates their options for replacement and prepares for the crucial final.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
