Ahead of the current Champions Trophy final, New Zealand’s availability proved to be a problem for the champions, despite their decisive 50-run victory against South Africa in their semi-final. When Henry was able to hang onto an opportunity at long-on, he fell awkwardly on his right shoulder. Following the event, Henry did bowl a few overs, but he did not appear to be his best self.
In a recent interview with the media, their head coach Gary Stead gave an important update on the severity of the right-arm quick’s injury and his availability for the Champions Trophy 2025 final against India.
Obviously, Matt landed on his shoulder, which caused some discomfort. The fact that he returned to bowling is, I suppose, a plus from our point of view. He has undergone some scans. He is still somewhat unknown at this point, but we will give him every opportunity to participate in this game. According to India Today, Stead said, “He’s obviously pretty sore just from landing on the point of his shoulder, but yeah, hopefully he will be okay.”
One of the most notable players from the Kiwis’ 44-run defeat to India was Henry. In the group-stage match, the pacer’s final stats were 5/42. With 10 wickets in four innings at an average of 16.70, he is also the current edition’s top wicket-taker thus far.
If Henry is unable to do so, Duffy or Smith will step in.
If the seasoned fast can’t reach peak fitness in time, the club management has players like Nathan Smith and Jacob Duffy to take Henry’s place. Although Smith made one appearance in the curtain-raiser match against Pakistan, if Duffy is selected before his colleague, it will be his first Champions Trophy 2025 match.
On Sunday, March 9, India and New Zealand will play one other at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. It makes sense that everyone would be focused on clinching the cutlery. The Kiwis defeated the Indian team in the inaugural World Test Championship final the last time the two faced off in an ICC tournament final.
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