New Zealand all-rounder Kyle Jamieson has been named as Matt Henry’s replacement in the squad for the 2023 Cricket World Cup, after Henry was ruled out with a torn right hamstring. Henry sustained the injury during Wednesday’s match against South Africa in Pune, and an MRI scan confirmed he has a grade two lower tear which will require at least two to four weeks to recover from.
“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,” said coach Gary Stead. “We’re gutted for him.”
Jamieson arrived in Bengaluru on Thursday and is expected to train with the team on Friday. He has had quite a journey, having undergone back surgery in February and already been with the squad in India as training cover earlier in the tournament.
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Stead said Jamieson was 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. Kyle’s had to work really hard to return from two separate back injuries and I know he’s really excited about being involved in his first ODI World Cup.”
🚨 Just in: Matt Henry has been ruled out of #CWC23 due to a grade two tear in his right hamstring
Kyle Jamieson has been roped in as his replacement 🔁 pic.twitter.com/e0dQGLnScF
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) November 3, 2023
New Zealand sit fourth on the World Cup points table with two league games remaining against Pakistan on Saturday and Sri Lanka on Thursday, both in Bengaluru.
Jamieson’s inclusion in the squad is a boost for New Zealand, as he is a talented all-rounder who can provide both batting and bowling depth. He is also a good fielder, which is important in one-day cricket. Henry will be a miss, as he is a reliable and experienced bowler.
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However, Jamieson has the potential to be a more than adequate replacement. He is a tall and imposing figure, and he can generate good pace and bounce with the ball. He also has a knack of taking wickets at crucial moments. New Zealand will be hoping that Jamieson can hit the ground running if he is selected to play against Pakistan on Saturday. A win in that match would put them in a good position to qualify for the semi-finals of the World Cup.
