Matt Henry, who some might remember as being the source of one or two problems for England’s international side in the summer of 2015, has signed a deal with Worcestershire CCC that will see him feature for the county from April to June 2016.
The New Zealand fast-bowler will only feature for the first half of the English summer of cricket before South African Kyle Abbott flies in in early July for the second half.
When New Zealand toured England in 2015, Henry made his Test debut during the Lord’s match and took 4-93 and 2-106 before taking two more wickets in the Test match at Headingley.
Although it may have only been a two match series, it acclimatised Henry to English conditions and has prompted critics to predict that his combination of pace and swing will prove useful to Worcestershire.
Henry has commented that he hopes to be able to play a key role in their campaign to regain that prestigious Division One spot. Most of his international cricket has been played in the shorter formats of the game boasting 20 appearances for New Zealand in ODIs so Henry should also be able to assist the team in their Natwest T20 Blast bid as well.
It was reported that Henry caught the eye of director of cricket’s Steve Rhodes when New Zealand faced Worcestershire in a tour match before the 2015 season. In this match he took 2-71 and 3-58 to help his team to their 15 run win.
Rhodes said, “Matt Henry is a fine young bowler who has represented New Zealand in all formats. He also was trusted with both a World Cup semi-final and a final spot and his bowling early season will be huge asset to the Club.”