Revealed: Why Matt Henry is not playing today's match vs India and who has replaced him?

New Zealand pace bowler Matt Henry was not included in the playing XI for the second Test of the ongoing three-match series against Team India in Pune. Notably, Matt Henry played a crucial role with the ball in New Zealand's historic eight-wicket victory during the first Test match in Bengaluru.

Following the victory in Bengaluru, the Tom Latham-led side aimed to continue their winning momentum in the second match. The visitors opted to bat after winning the toss at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune on Thursday, October 24. Henry's name is missing from the XI.

Matt Henry Picked Up Five-Wicket Haul in India's First Innings in Bengaluru

Matt Henry took advantage of overcast conditions to dismantle the Indian batting order in the first innings of the series opener. Henry took five wickets for just 15 runs in 13.2 overs. He dismissed key players Sarfaraz Khan, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Kuldeep Yadav.

The 32-year-old pace bowler failed to make an impact in the second innings. However, Henry picked up three tailenders to complete three wickets as the Men in Blue were bowled out for 462 runs. He had to miss the second Test match due to a glute niggle and was replaced by Mitchell Santner.

Matt Henry Misses Out With A Glute Niggle - Tom Latham

After winning the toss, Tom Latham said that New Zealand would bat first. He added that the pitch was different from the previous week, with less grass. The New Zealand skipper confirmed that Matt Henry was unavailable due to a glute injury with Mitchell Santner stepping in.

"We're going to have a bat. The surface is slightly different from what it was last week. Not a lot of grass. Might produce a bit of spin as we expect when we come to these parts of the world," Latham said after winning the toss, as quoted by Cricbuzz.

"Obviously a really proud moment for this group. We celebrated that but our focus has quickly turned to Pune here. It's just about adapting to this surface. Trying to take the confidence we built up from last week. Matt Henry misses out with a glute niggle. Santner comes in," he added.

The Kiwis decided to play Mitchell Santner instead of another pace bowler according to the conditions of the Pune pitch. Henry's seam movement would have posed a challenge. Santner also could be dangerous with the ball and confuse the Indian batter on the turning track in the second Test match.

Mitchell Santner is expected to bowl long spells and control the run rate, which could be crucial against a strong Indian batting lineup. The home team is eager to make a comeback and level the series at 1-1.

New Zealand Playing XI:

Tom Latham(c), Devon Conway, Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell(w), Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Ajaz Patel, William ORourke

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