New Zealand have decided to fly in allrounder Kyle Jamieson as cover for pacer Matt Henry in their ICC Cricket World Cup squad and he will be reaching Bengaluru late on Thursday before the team’s game against Pakistan at the M Chinnswammy Stadium on Saturday.
Jamieson was previously in the squad as a backup option to Tim Southee who was recovering from an injury. Southee though recovered and featured against South Africa on Wednesday. Jamieson was sent back to play in the Plunkett Shield.
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Henry hurt his right hamstring during the South Africa game on Wednesday and was not able to finish his quota of overs. Earlier, Lockie Ferguson was ruled out of the game owing to an Achilles injury. NZ are awaiting the scan results of Henry, and coupled with injuries in the camp, coach Gary Stead said there was no option but to bring in cover.
“The severity of Matt’s injury, combined with a short turnaround to Pakistan, meant we couldn’t risk being a bowler down for Saturday,” Stead said. Stead said Jamieson was well prepared to return to India.
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“Kyle’s on his way over as we speak and we look forward to welcoming him back into the group. He’ll likely train with us on Friday with a mind to be available for Saturday’s game.
“Kyle was able to train for two full weeks with us earlier in the tournament and has since played a Plunket Shield match – so we’re confident he’ll be able to hit the ground running,” added Stead.
Adding further to their injury woes is a blow to the wrist for Jimmy Neesham during his follow-through in the SA game and he could come out to bat only at No.9. However, one positive news from the camp is Ferguson is most likely to be fit for the Pakistan game on Saturday. The tearaway pacer had an Achilles injury during the Australia game in Dharamsala.
NZ’s campaign has been marred by a string of injuries with skipper Kane Williamson out with a fracture, Mark Chapman out with a calf injury and now Henry suffering a hamstring injury. For the SA game, New Zealand only had 11 fit players with Ish Sodhi substituting for Henry for the game.
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