Veteran pacer Matt Henry has returned to New Zealand’s ODI squad for the three-match series against the West Indies, set to begin at Hagley Oval on 16 November. Henry had been sidelined during the tail end of the recent England series, missing the final two ODIs after suffering a calf-strain.
Currently, he is undergoing a rehabilitation programme to be fully ready for both the ODI series and the three-Test series that follows. Mohammad Abbas (ribs), Finn Allen (foot), Lockie Ferguson (hamstring), Adam Milne (ankle), Will O’Rourke (back), Glenn Phillips (groin), and Ben Sears (hamstring) are unavailable due to injury.
Meanwhile, Kane Williamson was not picked for ODIs as he continues to prepare for the Test series on December 2 at Hagley Oval. Blair Tickner retains his spot after impressing during the England series.
“Matt is a vital member of this group and the senior leader of our pace attack, so it’ll be great to have him back around the group for the ODIs and Tests,” New Zealand head coach Rob Walter said.
“He will be fresh and fit after a good rest, and we know he’ll be raring to go ahead of a big five weeks with the white and red ball.
Rob Walter lauded Tickner's recent performances.
“We couldn’t have asked for more from Ticks against England. He brought plenty of energy and his pace and bounce proved to be a big test for some of the best batters in the world."
“It was pleasing to see him come in at short notice and perform at that level and that’s a testament to the hard work he’s been putting in away from the group."
New Zealand ODI squad: Mitchell Santner (c), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Rachin Ravindra, Nathan Smith, Blair Tickner, Will Young