Matt Henry was selected in a formidable 15-man roster by New Zealand Cricket, and he is now ready to compete in his first T20 World Cup. The team will be led by Kane Williamson once more.
Squad: Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Finn Allen, Trent Boult, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, and Tim Southee [Ben Sears – Travelling Reserve]
Henry, who is presently a player for the Indian Premier League’s Lucknow Super Giants, has only played in 17 Twenty20 Internationals for New Zealand, but since being called back to the team last year after a six-year absence, his bowling statistics have improved.
“Matt has worked exceptionally hard on his skills across the phases of a T20 game to come back into selection consideration,” Gary Stead, the head coach, stated.
Ben Sears lost out to Henry for a spot in the squad after Adam Milne’s ankle injury prevented him from playing.
Henry’s fast bowling partners will include Tim Southee, Trent Boult, and Lockie Ferguson, who will be participating in their seventh and fifth T20 World Cups, respectively.
Additionally chosen, Devon Conway—who is presently recuperating from a thumb injury—will probably accept the gloves before Finn Allen. Tom Blundell and Tim Seifert are not included.
Michael Bracewell will be a welcome addition to the World Cup squad after missing the majority of 2023, including the 50-over World Cup in India. Bracewell most recently guided New Zealand to a 2-2 draw in the T20I series in Pakistan.
In what are predicted to be sluggish conditions in the Caribbean and the United States, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, and Mark Chapman can all roll their arms over while Jimmy Neesham and Daryl Mitchell will be the pace-bowling all-rounders.
The spin twins, Mitchell Santner and Ish Sodhi, reconnect.
Similar to Henry, Ravindra will be participating in his maiden T20 World Cup after making three century in the 50-over competition the previous year.
“Rachin has made every post a winner in the past 12 months and it was exciting to see him continue that trajectory over the summer in the T20 format against Australia,” Stead stated.
Luke Ronchi, who will coach batting, and Jacob Oram, who will coach bowling, will be part of Stead’s supporting team. “With a focus on fielding,” James Foster will be the team’s assistant coach, according to an announcement from the NZC.
On May 23, New Zealand will depart for the competition. On June 7, they kick off against Afghanistan in Guyana.
