Matt Henry facing race against time for CT Final with his availability currently classified as ‘a little bit unknown’.
Matt Henry facing an uphill battle to be fit for the Champions Trophy Final on Sunday.
Henry hurt his shoulder while fielding in the Champions Trophy semi-final against South Africa in Lahore.
Henry, who has taken the most wickets in the tournament thus far, returned to bowl two overs late in the match against South Africa after suffering a shoulder injury during the catch that dismissed Heinrich Klaasen. After he returned, he was also spotted diving in the field.
Following Wednesday’s game, Mitchell Santner had expressed optimism on Henry’s availability. Henry’s fitness state was “unknown” just over 48 hours before the final, according to head coach Gary Stead.
“I guess the positive thing from our perspective is he got back out there to bowl,” Stead said. “We’ve had some scans and stuff done on him, and we’re going to give him every chance to be playing in this match.
“[But it’s] still a little bit unknown at this stage.”
At this Champions Trophy, Henry has taken ten wickets at an average of 16.70. Five of those wickets came against their opponents, India, in the group encounter in Dubai, where the final would be held.
Jacob Duffy, a right-arm seamer, is part of New Zealand’s roster in case Henry is unable to play. Although he did play against Pakistan in the pre-tournament tri-series that was played there, Duffy has not participated in any of New Zealand’s four tournament games. In that match, he took 1 for 48 in seven overs.