Henry Shipley Returns from Injury for New Zealand XI
Click to start listening
Christchurch, Dec 20 (NationPress) All-rounder Henry Shipley is ready to make his long-anticipated comeback from injury when he takes the field for New Zealand XI in a solo T20 warm-up match against Sri Lanka on Monday at Lincoln University, as announced by New Zealand Cricket on Friday.
Shipley, who has represented New Zealand in eight ODIs and five T20Is, has endured a lengthy absence from the game due to a stress fracture in his back sustained while playing for Sussex in the English County Championship back in July of the previous year.
His last appearance in a competitive match was during last season's Ford Trophy final for Canterbury against Auckland, but a recurrence of the injury kept him out during the New Zealand winter and the initial phase of the 2024-25 domestic season.
NZC high-performance coach Bob Carter expressed his satisfaction at Shipley's return.
"Henry has faced numerous injury challenges over the past few seasons, yet he has demonstrated remarkable resilience on his journey back to fitness. He has showcased his talent on the international platform before, so this warm-up against Sri Lanka will be an excellent opportunity for him to advance his progress and test himself against a formidable international opponent," stated Carter.
The match featuring New Zealand XI will act as preparation for the visiting Sri Lanka team, ahead of the T20I series against the Black Caps commencing at Bay Oval on December 28.
Top-order batsman Joe Carter will lead the side, which is packed with a wealth of talent from around the nation. Bevon Jacobs is expected to play, fresh off his selection by the Mumbai Indians in last month's IPL auction.
Ben Lister will get his first taste of top-level cricket this season, following a rib injury he sustained during a warm-up match for the Auckland Aces ahead of the domestic season in October.
Fast bowlers Kristian Clarke and Matt Fisher from Northern Brave will join Shipley and Lister in the pace attack, while Adi Ashok, a leg-spinner from Aces, and Raunaq Kapur, an allrounder from Canterbury, will provide spin options.
Off-spinner Kapur, who is part of the Canterbury development program, has previously played international cricket for Hong Kong and represented New Zealand in the Hong Kong Sixes tournament last month.
Squad: Joe Carter, Adi Ashok, Muhammad Abbas, Matt Boyle, Katene Clarke, Kristian Clarke, Matt Fisher, Bevon Jacobs, Raunaq Kapur, Ben Lister, Callum McLachlan, Henry Shipley.
