Champions Trophy Final: Stead on Henry's Fitness Concerns
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Synopsis
New Zealand's head coach Gary Stead expressed uncertainty regarding Matt Henry's fitness for the Champions Trophy final against India, following a shoulder injury sustained in the semi-final. Henry's performance has been exceptional, leading the wicket charts, making his potential absence a significant concern for the Black Caps.
Key Takeaways
- Matt Henry’s fitness is uncertain for the final.
- He suffered a shoulder injury during the semi-final.
- Henry is New Zealand’s leading wicket-taker in the tournament.
- Jacob Duffy is a backup option if Henry cannot play.
- The final will be held at Dubai International Stadium.
Dubai, March 7 (NationPress) New Zealand head coach Gary Stead has acknowledged that Matt Henry’s participation in the Champions Trophy final against India is still up in the air after the fast bowler suffered a shoulder injury during the semi-final against South Africa in Lahore.
Although Henry managed to bowl two overs and was active in the field following his injury while taking a catch to dismiss Heinrich Klaasen, his fitness remains under evaluation just over 48 hours prior to the decisive match against India.
"The positive takeaway for us is that he got back out there to bowl," Stead was quoted by ESPNcricinfo as stating. "We have conducted some scans and assessments on him, and we are committed to giving him every opportunity to play in this match. (However, it is) still a bit uncertain at this point."
Henry has been New Zealand’s top bowler in the tournament, topping the wicket charts with ten dismissals at an average of 16.70. His best performance occurred against India in the group stage in Dubai - where the final will also take place - where he secured a match-winning five-wicket haul. Given his recent form and influence, the Black Caps will be eager to have him fit for the championship.
"He’s clearly quite sore from landing on the point of his shoulder," Stead added. "We remain hopeful that he will be fine."
If Henry is unable to play, New Zealand has Jacob Duffy as a backup pace alternative. However, the right-arm seamer has not participated in any of New Zealand’s four matches in the tournament, with his last ODI appearance occurring against Pakistan in the pre-tournament tri-series, where he took 1 for 48 in seven overs.
The final between India and New Zealand is set to be played at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday.
