Kyle Jamieson replaces injured Matt Henry ahead of Pakistan clash

New Zealand’s Matt Henry has been ruled out of the ICC World Cup 2023 in India with a torn right hamstring and has been replaced in the New Zealand squad by Kyle Jamieson ahead of a crucial match against Pakistan.

The two teams are set to play on Saturday at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in the battle for the semifinal slot of the 10-team tournament.

A statement from New Zealand Cricket (NZC) confirmed that Henry sustained the injury during Wednesday’s match against South Africa in Pune after an MRI scan showed that he has a grade two lower tear, which will require two to four weeks to recover from.

“Jamieson, who has played 13 ODIs for the Blackcaps, was approved by the Event Technical Committee after Henry was ruled out due to a right hamstring injury sustained during Wednesday’s loss to South Africa in Pune,” the International Cricket Council (ICC) said.

New Zealand coach Gary Stead in Bengaluru said the whole team was thinking of Henry, saying “We’re gutted for him.”

He continued: “Matt’s been a crucial part of our One Day side for a long time, and to see him ruled out as we reach the business end of this tournament is immensely disappointing.”

The NZC statement added that Jamieson arrived in Bengaluru late on Thursday and was expected to train with the team on Friday.

Additionally, the right-arm fast bowler, according to Stead, is ready to go for Saturday’s game against Pakistan if required.

“We’re fortunate to have a player of the class of Kyle waiting in the wings,” he said.

“His skills and physical attributes always make him a threat with the ball, and it’s an added bonus he was able to train with us in the first two weeks of the tournament,” he added.