New Zealand captain Tom Latham praised Matt Henry after the fast bowler played a crucial role in their 253-run victory over England in the second Test at the Oval. Henry took 11 wickets in the match, including six in the second innings, earning him Player of the Match honors and helping New Zealand level the series 1-1.
Latham noted that earlier in Henry’s career, he faced stiff competition from New Zealand’s top bowlers, including Tim Southee and Trent Boult, which limited his opportunities in the Test team.
“At the beginning of his career, the presence of players like Boult, Southee, [Neil] Wagner, and [Colin] de Grandhomme made it challenging for Henners to break into the team. He was always in our squad, but chances were infrequent,” Latham said via ESPNcricinfo.
Recently, however, Henry has emerged as a leader in New Zealand’s fast bowling lineup, showcased during the victory over England. He utilized wicketkeeper Tom Blundell’s positioning to secure nine of his 11 wickets, with batters struggling against his inswinging deliveries. His match figures of 11 for 109 are a personal best in his 35-Test career.
“Since he has taken on the new ball and led the attack, he has really grown in strength. He has been consistently effective, and in Test Cricket, it’s crucial to perform over long periods. He certainly delivered this week,” Latham added.
In his Test career, Henry has achieved 152 wickets, making him the highest wicket-taker among currently active New Zealand players. His bowling average of 26.04 is second only to the legendary Sir Richard Hadlee among bowlers with over 100 wickets in the longest format of the game.