The Somerset County Cricket Club has signed players like New Zealand bowler Matt Henry in preparation for the upcoming County Championship season. Following the conclusion of the ODI series against Pakistan in May, the pacer is anticipated to join them.
The cricketer from New Zealand will be available until July 31 and might play at least seven four-day matches during the season in addition to being eligible for the whole T20 Blast. According to reports, Henry will be eligible for selection for the match against Lancashire on May 11 at Emirates Old Trafford in Manchester. He will stick by the side through July 31.
The Kiwi pacer expressed his delight after joining the ounty ahead of the forthcoming season. “I enjoy playing in English conditions and I’m looking forward to joining up with Somerset. They are a Club that are held in high regard, and I’ve heard only good things about the setup there. I’m excited by the challenge, and I hope that I can make big contributions for Somerset both on and off the field,” he was quoted by Somerset’s website.
The 31-year-old was forced to attend the birth of his first child, thus he was unable to play in the opening Test at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui. The Blackcaps have made a number of changes to their lineup for the second game against the visitors at Wellington’s Basin Reserve after giving up a 1-0 lead to the visitors in the two-match series.
Ish Sodhi and Jacob Duffy are no longer on the sidelines, while Kyle Jamieson must continue receiving treatment for a stress fracture in his lower back. Blair Tickner or Scott Kuggeleijn, who both earned their Test debuts against the English team in the first match, are likely to be replaced by Henry. Since his debut, Henry has played in 18 Tests and has taken 55 wickets. As the hosts attempt to tie the series, the second and final Test is set to begin on February 23.