Star New Zealand quick ruled out of early County Championship rounds by knee injury

Henry was due to join Somerset on April 7 for an 11-week stint, but his arrival has been delayed as he undergoes a "phased rehabilitation programme" under New Zealand’s medical team, Somerset confirmed.

The fast bowler was ruled out of the 2025 Champions Trophy final against India after suffering a shoulder injury in the semi-final against South Africa. A subsequent knee issue also sidelined him during the ODI series against Pakistan.

"Obviously, this is frustrating news for Matt as well as our Somerset Members and supporters who we know were looking forward to seeing Matt in the club colours again in April," stated Andy Hurry, Somerset's director of cricket.

"Matt’s health, fitness and wellbeing are everyone’s priority, and we will continue to connect and collaborate with all parties over the next few weeks. We are all working towards seeing Matt at the Cooper Associates County Ground in 2025, and as soon as we have any further updates, we will let our members and supporters know."

An unforgettable knock comes to an end.

Tom Banton falls for 371, the highest individual score in Somerset's history 👏#CountyCricket pic.twitter.com/dtIW34zW3j

— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) April 6, 2025

What is Matt Henry's county record?

Henry has prior County Championship experience in England, having played for Worcestershire, Derbyshire, and Kent. In 2023, he starred for Somerset, finishing as the T20 Blast’s highest wicket-taker and claiming 32 wickets in just six Championship matches. Overall, he has 146 wickets in the County Championship.

With Tim Southee retired and Trent Boult no longer a regular, Henry has stepped up as New Zealand’s frontline fast bowler. He finished the recent Champions Trophy as the highest wicket-taker and has proved equally reliable in Tests, leading New Zealand’s attack with 48 wickets at an average of 18.58 in the 2023-25 World Test Championship cycle – the most by any New Zealand bowler.