Matt Henry, New Zealand’s star seamer at the recent World Cup, will not be joining Somerset as originally agreed. Due to ongoing health concerns, he has been unable to participate. Henry, when last seen, finished the Champions Trophy as the tournament’s highest wicket-taker. At the moment, he is on a phased rehabilitation program for a shoulder injury he picked up in the semi-final game against South Africa.
Somerset were hoping that Henry would be fit in time for their second home match of the County Championship season against Sussex. The 31-year-old cricketer and bio-blogger was supposed to join the squad on April 7. He was primed to really make an impact over the next 11 weeks. His precarious state of health now has the city worried about the club.
Henry’s excellent credentials, with 312 wickets in 142 games in all three formats for New Zealand. In his final season with Somerset, he really put it all together. He was the team’s top wicket-taker in the T20 Blast, and he took a magnificent 32 wickets over six County Championship matches.
Henry had been managing a shoulder injury. On that subject, he has a long-term knee injury which prevented him from participating in the recent ODI series against Pakistan. For now, this unique trifecta of injuries has led Somerset to make his health and fitness a top priority.
“Matt’s health, fitness and wellbeing are everyone’s priority, and we will continue to connect and collaborate with all parties over the next few weeks.” – Andy Hurry, Somerset director of cricket.
The extended return is naturally frustrating for both Henry and Somerset’s fans. The prospect of watching him wear club colors once more made every fan, die-hard or bandwagoner alike, couldn’t wait for the season to start.
“Obviously, this is frustrating news for Matt as well as our Somerset members and supporters who we know were looking forward to seeing Matt in the club colours again in April,” – Andy Hurry, Somerset director of cricket.
Somerset is meeting this challenge with determination and grit. They remain deeply committed to continue working in close coordination with Henry and the New Zealand medical team, with a focus on his recovery. We’ll make sure to keep you updated with any progress made on his rehabilitation and possible return to competitive play.
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