The visiting New Zealand team has faced a setback before their one-off Test against Ireland. Experienced bowler Matt Henry is out due to injury and will not participate in the match. This four-day Test at the Civil Service Cricket Club in Belfast marks the first encounter between the two sides.
The Black Caps announced this news on their official X account before the match began. Henry is recovering from a low-grade strain in his left hamstring and will miss the game against Ireland.
“Blackcaps fast bowler Matt Henry will miss the one-off Test against Ireland as he recovers from a low-grade left hamstring strain,” said New Zealand Cricket.
“Henry will join fellow fast bowlers Will O’Rourke and Kyle Jamieson in London as they prepare for the first Test against England, starting at Lord’s on Thursday, June 4.”
This injury raises concerns for New Zealand ahead of their three-match Test series against England, which begins at Lord’s on June 4. Henry will head to London with Will O’Rourke and Kyle Jamieson for preparation.
In Belfast, Ireland won the toss and chose to bowl first, hosting a home Test for the first time in two years. The hosts made a change as regular opener Paul Stirling missed the match due to injury, with Stephen Doheny replacing him.
Ireland gave Test debuts to seamers Thomas Mayes, Reuben Wilson, and Liam McCarthy for this special occasion. On the other hand, New Zealand fielded four seamers in their playing XI, while all-rounder Dean Foxcroft also made his Test debut.
The match does not count towards the World Test Championship cycle, so no WTC points are available for the 2021 champions, and the Irish team does not participate in the global cycle. Currently, the Black Caps are struggling, having lost their first four wickets for just 100 runs. Kane Williamson, returning to the team, was dismissed for 36 runs by Liam McCarthy.