Matt Henry Injures His Right Thumb; Doubtful For The T20I Series Opener Against West Indies

New Zealand Cricket Team have been dealt with a significant blow ahead of their international home summer after ace fast bowler, Matt Henry broke his thumb while training for his domestic side, Canterbury in the ongoing Plunkett Shield- New Zealand FC tournament.

Henry was hit on the tip of his right thumb while batting in the nets and according to Canterbury physio Tim Dovbysh, the seam, and swing bowler will require at least four to six weeks to recover from the injury, which could potentially see him miss the first game of the home series against the West Indies.

West Indies will tour New Zealand for a series of three T20Is and two Test matches in late November. The tour will kickstart with the T20I rubber at Eden Park in Auckland on November 27. After hosting West Indies, the Kane Williamson-led unit will take on the visiting Pakistanis in three T20Is and two Test matches.

“Matt was unfortunately struck on the tip of the right thumb while batting in the nets. Matt got an X-ray [done] immediately after training which confirmed the fracture.” Tim Dovbysh, Canterbury physio, was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo.

This is not the first time that Matt Henry has suffered an injury ahead of a crucial international fixture. Earlier this year, the fast bowler injured his left thumb on the opening day of the New Year Test against Australia in Sydney.

Matt Henry joins his skipper Kane Williamson in New Zealand’s injury-ridden players

Matt Henry’s injury has compounded New Zealand’s woes, given the fact that the side is already grappling with the injury to their skipper Kane Williamson who is currently recovering from the hamstring injury that he picked during the ongoing IPL,

Williamson last featured for his franchise SunRisers Hyderabad on October 13, post which he has missed three games, something which former Kiwi fast bowler-turned commentator Danny Morrison had put down to excessive cricket played these days.

“I just wonder whether, in terms of the amount of cricket these guys play these days, toing and froing in all the different genres of it… I’m not surprised it’s taking its toll.” Danny Morrison told Newstalk ZB,

“Kane… plays all formats. So, when I look at that, something’s got to give. At the moment, I think he’s still very sore and very tight.” he added.