Matt Henry is an injury doubt for tomorrow's (March 9) Champions Trophy final between India and New Zealand. Here's how the BlackCaps could replace Henry if he's unavailable.
The fast-bowler picked up the injury during New Zealand's semi-final against South Africa. Diving to take a catch to dismiss Heinrich Klaasen, Henry fell on his shoulder and looked in discomfort for several minutes as he received treatment. He did, however, return to bowl later in the innings, and dismissed Kagiso Rabada.
In an update 48 hours ahead of the final, New Zealand head coach Gary Stead said Henry's fitness was "unknown" for the fixture, and that Henry was still "pretty sore". The 33-year-old has been a crucial part of New Zealand's campaign so far, and is currently the leading wicket-taker in the competition. He has 10 wickets from four games at an average of 16.70, and took a five-for in New Zealand's final group game against India.
"He's pretty sore just from landing on the point of his shoulder..."
— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) March 7, 2025
New Zealand head coach Gary Stead provides an injury update on Matt Henry, who had hurt his shoulder in the Champions Trophy semi-final. #INDvNZ pic.twitter.com/hEtWTJQ6DM
If Henry is not fit to play, New Zealand are limited on like-for-like options to replace him. Both Lockie Ferguson and Ben Sears were withdrawn from their squad ahead of the competition, forcing them to draft in Jacob Duffy as the spare fast-bowler in their squad. Other options the BlackCaps have are to extend their batting lineup, and to rely more on their part-time spinners.
Also read: Five areas where the India vs New Zealand Champions Trophy final will be won or lost
Option one: Like-for-like
Duffy has not yet featured for New Zealand in the competition. He has played 11 ODIs, taking 20 wickets in total, and is a like-for-like as a right-arm pacer. He featured in New Zealand's warm-up match against Afghanistan, in which he took two wickets. While Duffy is the option that makes the most sense, as the three-pacer strategy has worked well for New Zealand so far in the tournament, losing the effectiveness of Henry at the beginning and end of the innings would still be a massive loss.
The other option New Zealand have to give themselves an extra seam option is Nathan Smith. Smith played in New Zealand's opening match of the tournament against Pakistan, replacing an ill Daryl Mitchell, and took one wicket in the two overs he bowled. However, that was before they had Kyle Jamieson back from injury. Smith is also an all-rounder, and has never bowled a full quota of overs in an ODI.
Option two: Extend their batting lineup
New Zealand have packed their lineup with all-rounders during their campaign so far, with Rachin Ravindra batting in the top two and Glenn Phillips coming in the top six. Between them, Phillips and Ravindra got through seven overs in the semi-final against South Africa, which took the pressure off the three seamers on a surface that was aiding spin more than pace. The pitch in Dubai is also likely to favour spin, meaning three pacers might not be necessary for New Zealand to field. In their semi-final against Australia, India split their seamer duties between Mohammed Shami and Hardik Pandya only.
Glenn Phillips notches yet another crucial cameo in the semi-final of the Champions Trophy, guiding New Zealand to 362-6.
— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) March 5, 2025
He averages 79.25 in ODIs this year, striking at 125.59 and hitting 16 sixes in nine innings 🔥#SAvNZ pic.twitter.com/3tiargvpTy
Leaving Kyle Jamieson and Will O'Rourke to take care of the pace overs, while Ravindra, Phillips, Michael Bracewell and Mitchell Santner provide spin cover, means New Zealand could squeeze an extra batter in to replace Henry. They have a couple of options to choose from for this. They could draft in Devon Conway, who has been out of the side since Ravindra was promoted to open. However, given Conway would have to bat in the top-order, breaking up a top four which has been firing well all through the tournament. That might not provide the best answer.
The other option New Zealand have available is Mark Chapman. Chapman scored 47 off 55 balls batting at three in New Zealand's warm-up match against Afghanistan. He has, however, spent most of his ODI career batting in the middle-order, and could slot in ahead of Tom Latham at No.5, with New Zealand being flexible on their order depending on the scenario they find themselves in. The extra batter could also give more protection to Phillips, who has been key during the tournament for New Zealand, coming in towards the end of the innings and crashing extra runs to boost their total. In their semi-final against India, Phillips coming in too early at No.6 meant he struggled against the spinners.
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