New Zealand faces uncertainty regarding Matt Henry’s participation in the Champions Trophy final against India in Dubai due to a shoulder injury.
Matt Henry’s participation in the Champions Trophy final is in doubt after he injured his shoulder during the semi-final victory against South Africa in Lahore.
Henry, who is currently the leading wicket-taker in the tournament, sustained the injury while taking a catch to dismiss Heinrich Klaasen. Despite the injury, he returned to bowl later in the match.
Initially, Mitchell Santner expressed optimism about Henry’s fitness. However, head coach Gary Stead has now indicated that Henry’s availability is ‘a little bit unknown’ with the final just over 48 hours away.
Stead mentioned that scans have been conducted and they are giving Henry ‘every chance’ to recover in time for the crucial match against India in Dubai.
Henry has been a key player for New Zealand, taking ten wickets in the tournament so far, including a five-wicket haul against India in a previous group match at the same venue as the final.
According to Stead, Henry is experiencing soreness in his shoulder. If he is ruled out, Jacob Duffy, a right-arm seamer who is part of the squad, could be his replacement. Duffy has yet to play in the tournament but featured in a pre-tournament tri-series game against Pakistan.
