NEW DELHI: New Zealand pacer Matt Henry is doubtful for the Champions Trophy final against India due to a shoulder niggle, but coach Gary Stead remains hopeful that the in-form bowler will recover in time for Sunday’s clash. Henry currently tops the tournament’s wicket-taking charts with 10 scalps, including an impressive 5/42 against India in the group stage.
The 33-year-old sustained the injury after landing on his shoulder during the semifinal against South Africa in Lahore on Wednesday.
“Matt obviously landed on his shoulder and it was pretty uncomfortable. I guess the positive thing from our perspective is that he got back out there to bowl. We’ve had some scans done on him,” Stead told reporters on Friday.
The coach expressed optimism about Henry’s availability for the final.
“We’re going to give him every chance to be playing in this match, so still a little bit unknown at this stage.
“He’s obviously pretty sore just from landing on the point of his shoulder, but yeah, hopefully he will be okay,” he added.
New Zealand lost just one match in the group stage, against India, with Henry’s 5/42 in that game standing as the best bowling figures of the tournament so far.
