Jamieson replaces injured Matt Henry ahead of Pakistan encounter

New Zealand Cricket (NZC) have decided to bring Kyle Jamieson as a cover for Matt Henry for the ongoing ICC Cricket World Cup squad in India. Jamieson will replace Henry in the setup. 

New Zealand's head coach, Gary Stead, confirmed that Henry is ruled out of the tournament with a Grade 2 lower tear, which will require two to four weeks. 

With Matt Henry awaiting scan results on his right hamstring and Lockie Ferguson continuing to recover from his Achilles injury, coach Gary Stead said there was no option but to bring in cover.

“We’re gutted for him (Henry),” Gary Stead said in Bengaluru.

“Matt’s been a crucial part of our One Day side for a long time and to see him ruled out as we reach the business end of this tournament is immensely disappointing. He’s consistently been ranked inside the ICC top 10 ODI bowlers for the past few years which is testament to his class and skills.

“Moreover, Matt’s a great team man and we’re all going to miss his personality and experience.”

Kyle Jamieson, his replacement, has arrived in Bengaluru on late Thursday, and will train to be ready for the clash against Pakistan. 

“We’re fortunate to have a player of the class of Kyle waiting in the wings,” he said.

 “His skills and physical attributes always make him a threat with the ball and it’s an added bonus he was able to train with us in the first two weeks of the tournament. Kyle’s had to work really hard to return from two separate back injuries and I know he’s really excited about being involved in his first ODI World Cup."

New Zealand are set to take on Pakistan on Saturday at the M.Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.

(*Story updated after NZC's confirmation)