In a major development for NZC (New Zealand Cricket), the sideโs star bowler, Matt Henry, has been granted parental leave, and he will leave the New Zealand camp after the sideโs clash against England for the birth of his and his wifeโs second child.
It is worth noting that New Zealandโs clash against England is absolutely crucial, as a win would mean qualification to the knockout stages of the tournament for the Black Caps. Interestingly, if New Zealand manage to qualify for the knockouts, Matt Henry might make his return back to the squad.ย
New Zealandโs head coach Rob Walter came forward and extended his support towards Matt Henry as he prepares to welcome his second child. โFirstly, weโre all very excited for Matt and Holly on the arrival of their second child. Itโs a very significant moment for their family and weโre wishing them all the best,โ Rob Walter was quoted as saying by NZC.ย
โThereโs a lot of water to go under the bridge but weโre hopeful that the stars align for the team and for Matt and that weโll see him back competing in the final phases of the competition,โ he added.ย
New Zealand opt to bat first against England in Colombo
Speaking of the game between England and New Zealand, the two sides lock horns in the Super 8 stage of the tournament at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. The clash began on a positive note for the Black Caps as they won the toss and opted to bat first.ย
โWe’re going to have a bat first. You have to win games if you want to win a WC. Nice to have a run on this wicket the other night. We know what it’s going to do. Does look the same. Looked good last game and spun more than we thought. If it plays the same, weโll stick to similar plans. But if itโs flatter, weโll adjust accordingly. Yeah, weโre kind of used to that in New Zealand – playing with wind factors and different dimensions.. You try and use the dimensions in your favour. Same team,โ Mitchell Santner said at the toss.ย
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