New Zealand call up Matt Henry for the T20I series against Bangladesh

New Zealand batsman Finn Allen tested positive for Covid-19 and is currently in quarantine. As a result, pace bowler Matt Henry has been called up to the Kiwi squad for the T20I series against the Bangladesh side.

Matt Henry was initially selected only in the ODI squad for the series against Pakistan that will commence on 17th September 2021, but now will also be a part of the T20I squad for the series against Bangladesh as well. New Zealand Head Coach Gary Stead stated that Henry is not a direct replacement for Allen, but expands the selection options that the Black Caps have at their disposal.

“Matt’s clearly not a like-for-like replacement for Finn, but he expands our selection options and, in the current circumstances, is the best equipped to join the side at such short notice,” said Gary Stead as quoted by the ICC.

Matt Henry has received both doses of the Covid-19 vaccination: Gary Stead

Gary Stead further added that Matt Henry has received both doses of the Covid-19 vaccination and also has an MIQ bed that has already been allocated to him. Stead concluded by stating that it is important for the New Zealand side to manage player workloads.

“He’s received both doses of the Covid-19 vaccination and already has an MIQ bed allocated for his return. And, in the current environment, we remain mindful of the need to carefully balance player workloads,” concluded Stead.

Matt Henry has had a start-stop T20I career. Even though the right-arm pacer made his debut for the New Zealand side in the year 2014, he has only managed to play 6 T20Is for the Black Caps. Henry has scalped 7 wickets in his T20I career. Meanwhile, batsman Finn Allen will be monitored by the medical staff of the New Zealand side and will continue to stay with the New Zealand team.

Here is the updated New Zealand T20I squad for the series against Bangladesh

Tom Latham (C), Finn Allen, Hamish Bennett, Tom Blundell, Doug Bracewell, Colin de Grandhomme, Jacob Duffy, Matt Henry, Scott Kuggeleijn, Cole McConchie, Henry Nicholls, Ajaz Patel, Rachin Ravindra, Ben Sears, Blair Tickner, Will Young.