New Zealand call up Matt Henry as cover for Neil Wagner for the first Test against India

New Zealand have called up pacer Matt Henry as a cover for Neil Wagner ahead of the first Test against India. The Black Caps are gearing up for the two-match series against the world number one side, starting on Friday. Henry was not a part of the initial 13-man squad as the hosts preferred Kyle Jamieson who recently impressed against India in the ODIs.

Jamieson made his debut in the three-match ODI series and made an instant impression by delivering a Man of the Match performance on his debut. Henry, on the other hand, last played for the Black Caps during the Sydney Test last month. He picked up two wickets in the game as Australia thrashed the Kiwis to clean sweep the three-match series.

Henry now has a chance to prove himself once again as he will join the Test squad on Wednesday (February 19) evening. Wagner, who is an indispensable part of New Zealand’s team, has not joined the squad as he and his wife are awaiting the birth of their first child. Thus, he is likely to miss the series-opener.

Wagner was initially scheduled to take part in the training session on Thursday morning ahead of the Test match but it is increasingly looking unlikely. In case the left-arm pacer fails to be available for the game, New Zealand are expected to hand Jamieson a debut instead of drafting Henry straight into the playing XI.

Henry, nonetheless, must have fond memories of playing against India. The last time he played against India, he was the Man of the Match as he helped Kiwis dump India out of the World Cup. The pacer picked up three wickets to help his side defend 238 against the Men in Blue.

New Zealand are favourites to clinch the Test series

New Zealand are the favourites for the upcoming two-match Test series after dismantling India in the ODIs. The hosts suffered a whitewash in the five-match T20I series before clean sweeping the three-match ODI series. With the momentum in their side, New Zealand enter the Test series as slight favourites.

New Zealand Test squad: Kane Williamson (c), Ross Taylor, BJ Watling, Tom Blundell, Colin de Grandhomme, Kyle Jamieson, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Ajaz Patel, Tim Southee, Trent Boult, Neil Wagner, Matt Henry.

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