BENGALURU: Pacer Matt Henry has been ruled out of the ICC Cricket World Cup in India with a torn right hamstring and has been replaced in the New Zealand squad by Kyle Jamieson, confirmed different statements by ICC and NZC.
A statement from NZC confirmed that Henry sustained the injury during Wednesday’s match against South Africa in Pune, with an MRI scan confirming he has a grade two lower tear, which will require two to four weeks to recover from.
"Jamieson, who has played 13 ODIs for the Blackcaps, was approved by the Event Technical Committee after Henry was ruled out due to a right hamstring injury sustained during Wednesday's loss to South Africa in Pune," the ICC said.
New Zealand coach Gary Stead said the whole team was thinking of Henry.
“We’re gutted for him,” Stead said in Bengaluru.
“Matt’s been a crucial part of our One Day side for a long time, and to see him ruled out as we reach the business end of this tournament is immensely disappointing.”
The NZC statement added that Jamieson arrived in Bengaluru late on Thursday and was expected to train with the team on Friday.
Stead said Jamieson was ready to go for Saturday’s game against Pakistan if required.
“We’re fortunate to have a player of the class of Kyle waiting in the wings,” he said.
“His skills and physical attributes always make him a threat with the ball, and it’s an added bonus he was able to train with us in the first two weeks of the tournament," he added.
Faizan Lakhani Faizan Lakhani is Deputy Editor (Sports) at Geo News.- Matt Henry