Matt Henry Withdrawn From Ireland Test After Injury Update

Prior to their historic one-off Test against Ireland, New Zealand’s seasoned bowler Matt Henry was injured and ruled out of the match. Belfast’s Civil Service Cricket Club hosts the first-ever four-day Test between the two teams.

The Black Caps announced it on their X account before the game. While recovering from a low-grade left hamstring strain, Matt Henry will miss the Ireland match.

“Blackcaps fast bowler matt Henry will miss the one-off test against Ireland as he recovers from a low-grade left hamstring strain,” the statement from New Zealand Cricket read.  

“Henry will join fellow fast bowlers will O’Rourke and Kyle Jamieson in London as part of their prep for the first test against England starting at Lord’s on Thursday 4 June.”

Ahead of their forthcoming three-match Test series against England, which is set to start at Lord’s on June 4, New Zealand is concerned about the injury.

In order to continue getting ready for the England tour, Matt Henry will now travel to London with Will O’Rourke and Kyle Jamieson.

In the meantime, Ireland, hosting a home Test for the first time in two years, won the toss and chose to bowl first in Belfast. Due to injury, usual opener Paul Stirling was also forced to make a substitution for the hosts. He was replaced at the top of the order by Stephen Doheny.

For the momentous occasion, Ireland gave seamers Thomas Mayes, Reuben Wilson, and Liam McCarthy their Test debuts. Conversely, New Zealand’s starting lineup had four seamers, while all-rounder Dean Foxcroft made his Test debut.

Notably, the Irishmen do not compete in the worldwide cycle, and the game is not a part of the World Test Championship cycle, hence the 2021 champions have no WTC points at risk. The Black Caps are currently in trouble after reaching just 100 runs and lost their first four wickets. Liam McCarthy dismissed the returning Kane Williamson after 36 runs.