IND vs NZ | Matt Henry called up as cover for uncertain Neil Wagner
New Zealand have called up pacer Matt Henry as cover for Neil Wagner, who is awaiting the birth of his first child, ahead of the first Test against India at the Basin Reserve in Wellington. Wagner, whose short ball strategy is a great weapon for New Zealand, hasn't joined the squad as of Wednesday.
The New Zealand line-up has a fine arsenal of their own, with Trent Boult, Tim Southee, Neil Wagner and Kyle Jamieson forming the four-pronge attack. However, the uncertainity surrounding Wagner's avalability for the first Test in Wellington forced the host board to summon Matt Henry in Wellington to join the squad. Although Lockie Ferguson had returned from injury and played the domestic Ford Trophy last week, he is not yet ready to take the burden of five-day cricket.
Wagner, who is definitely the most cherished possession for the New Zealand bowling unit thanks to his workman-like ability, was initially scheduled to take part in the training session on Thursday morning but it is increasingly looking unlikely that he will play, considering the pacer is awaiting the birth of his first child. Lest the 33-year-old fails to make it to the game, New Zealand are expected to hand the impressive Kyle Jamieson a debut instead of Henry, who has taken 30 Test wickets in his 12 games at an average exceeding 50.
However, the only thing that goes in favour of Henry is his record against India, especially the World Cup semi-final, when he troubled India with his 3 for 37 to set up New Zealand's win.
NZ Test squad: Kane Williamson (capt.) Tom Blundell, Trent Boult, Colin de Grandhomme, Kyle Jamieson, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Ajaz Patel, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, Neil Wagner, BJ Watling, Matt Henry