Why is Matt Henry not playing 5th NZ vs IND ODI?
Matt Henry played only one game in the ODI series against New Zealand.
The hosts, New Zealand, are currently facing India in the final ODI of the five-match series. The Black Caps are currently trailing 2-1 to the visitors; however, courtesy of their recent win, they are on track to take draw the series. A win in the last ODI will help New Zealand tie the series 2-2.
Matt Henry is not a part of the Black Caps squad for the final ODI game against India because he has been rested for the upcoming two-match Test series.
Henry could have been a crucial part of the side in the ongoing match, especially after his exceptional performance in the last ODI at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui. However, the hosts have decided to put Henry in Test preparations, which will also be crucial for the ongoing ICC World Test Championship (WTC) cycle.
However, the fifth ODI remains important for the Black Caps, as they need a win to stop India from winning the five-match series 3-1. The hosts have already lost the T20I series 3-2.
Why is Matt Henry not playing in the 5th NZ vs IND ODI?
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Matt Henry has not been included in New Zealand’s team in the fifth ODI against India because the 34-year-old has been sent for Test preparations ahead of the upcoming two-match series. The Test series will commence on November 19 at the Basin Reserve in Wellington.
The right-arm bowler displayed his bowling prowess against the Men in Blue in the last ODI, which was played on November 13. Henry dismissed Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Shreyas Iyer in the first over of the second innings without giving away a run.
Later, he also dismissed Ishan Kishan, Kuldeep Yadav, and Gurnoor Brar, restricting the Indian side from reaching a collective total of 100 and losing the game by a mammoth margin of 244 runs. In his spell, Henry bowled 45 dot balls and picked six wickets, conceding only 27 runs.
With his haul, he became the Black Caps’ joint highest wicket-taker in the ongoing series after the fourth ODI alongside Jacob Duffy, who also picked up six wickets but in two matches.
The 34-year-old was playing his ODI game in the series and also failed to take a single wicket in two T20I appearances against the Men in Blue last month. Meanwhile, the Black Caps will want Henry to bowl with similar composure in the upcoming Test series.
Why is Matt Henry not playing in the 5th ODI against IND?
Henry has joined New Zealand’s Test preparations ahead of the upcoming series.
How many games did Henry play in the ODI series?
One.
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