New Zealand Tour of England, 2026: Matt Henry and Glenn Phillips Out of Third Test Due to Injuries New Zealand has faced a significant setback ahead of the third Test against England at Trent Bridge, Nottingham, as fast bowler Matt Henry and all-rounder Glenn Phillips have been ruled out of the match due to injuries. The absence of the two key players comes at a crucial time for the Black Caps, who are aiming to secure a series victory in England after a mixed performance in the first Test. Henry, who played a pivotal role in New Zealand’s victory in the second Test at The Oval, is sidelined with a calf injury sustained during the match. Initial scans revealed a low-grade muscle strain, and New Zealand Cricket confirmed that the pacer will require two to four weeks to recover. This injury marks a significant loss, as Henry had recently climbed to the top of the ICC Test bowling rankings, becoming the first New Zealand bowler to achieve this feat in 36 years. Phillips, meanwhile, is expected to miss the Trent Bridge Test after suffering a side strain during the Oval Test. While the exact timeline for his recovery remains under assessment, his absence further weakens New Zealand’s squad. Phillips’ injury adds to the challenges faced by the team, which already lost key players in the series opener due to off-field issues affecting England’s squad. The injuries to Henry and Phillips come as England prepares to strengthen its lineup with the return of captain Ben Stokes and pacer Gus Atkinson, both of whom were absent in the first Test. Stokes’ return is particularly notable, as he had faced controversy following a nightclub incident, which led to a public apology to his teammates. Atkinson’s inclusion also adds depth to England’s bowling attack, giving the hosts an advantage in the upcoming Test.#new_zealand #england #glenn_phillips #matt_henry #trent_bridge

ICC Rankings See Major Shifts: Shubman Gill Climbs to Second, Matt Henry Ties with Jasprit Bumrah Delhi: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has released updated rankings for One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and Test matches, marking significant changes in the global cricket landscape. Indian captain Shubman Gill and New Zealand fast bowler Matt Henry have emerged as key beneficiaries of the latest updates, with Gill moving up to second in the ODI batting rankings and Henry sharing the top spot in Test bowling with Jasprit Bumrah. In the ODI batting rankings, Gill has surged three positions to claim the second spot, a result of his stellar performances in the recent three-match series against Afghanistan. His standout contributions in the first two matches, where he scored 84 and 154 runs respectively, played a crucial role in India’s 9-wicket victory in the final ODI. Despite missing the final innings due to the team’s strategy, Gill’s consistent displays have earned him a 24-point lead over New Zealand’s Daryl Mitchell, who remains at the top. Gill’s rise is part of a broader trend of Indian batsmen climbing the rankings. Ishan Kishan, another Indian player, has also advanced 21 positions to secure the 43rd spot. Meanwhile, Virat Kohli, who missed the Afghanistan series due to a hamstring injury, has dropped to third in the ODI rankings. Rohit Sharma maintains his position at fourth, while Suryakumar Yadav and KL Rahul have also seen minor fluctuations in their rankings. In the Test bowling rankings, Henry has made history by tying with Bumrah at the top. The New Zealand fast bowler’s 11-wicket haul in the second Test against England was instrumental in New Zealand’s 253-run victory, propelling him into the top spot.#delhi #icc #jasprit_bumrah #shubman_gill #matt_henry

Shubman Gill Climbs to Second in ICC ODI Rankings, Matt Henry Becomes First New Zealand Bowler in 36 Years to Top Test Rankings The International Cricket Council (ICC) released updated rankings for One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and Tests on June 24, 2026. Indian players made significant strides in the rankings, with opener Shubman Gill rising to second in the ODI batting category. New Zealand fast bowler Matt Henry claimed the top spot in Test bowling, marking the first time a New Zealand bowler has reached the summit in 36 years. Gill, who has been in stellar form in ODIs, moved up three positions to secure second place. He trails only New Zealand’s Daryl Mitchell by 24 points, with Mitchell at 791 points and Gill at 768. The 24-year-old’s recent performances, particularly against Afghanistan, played a key role in his rise. Meanwhile, wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan climbed 21 spots to rank 43rd, while left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh advanced 16 positions to 22nd. Fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah retained his top spot in Test bowling, sharing the lead with Henry. Henry’s achievement is historic. The 32-year-old New Zealand bowler, who took 11 wickets in a Test against England, became the third New Zealand bowler after Sir Richard Hadlee (1984–1990) and Jack Cowie (1947) to top the ICC Test rankings. His 870 points placed him alongside Bumrah, who also secured 870 points. This marks a significant milestone for New Zealand cricket, as no Kiwi bowler had reached the summit since Cowie in 1947. The rankings were influenced by the recent ODI series against Afghanistan, which boosted several players’ positions. India’s bowlers also saw improvements, with Ravindra Jadeja rising 34 spots to 58th and Washington Sundar climbing 17 positions to 71st.#icc #shubman_gill #daryl_mitchell #matt_henry

Matt Henry Set to Lead New Zealand’s Pace Attack in First Test Against England Matt Henry is poised to spearhead New Zealand’s pace bowling lineup in the opening Test against England at Lord’s, having recovered from a minor hamstring strain that kept him out of last week’s one-off Test against Ireland. The 34-year-old fast bowler, a key figure in the Black Caps’ attack, has been cleared to participate in the three-Test series following a full recovery. His return marks a significant boost for New Zealand, as the team aims to capitalize on his experience and skill ahead of the match, which is set to begin on Thursday. Henry’s absence in the Ireland Test was attributed to a “minor strain in his left hamstring,” as confirmed by team management. However, his fitness has been restored, allowing him to take on the leadership role in the pace attack. Alongside him, fellow quicks Kyle Jamieson and Will O’Rourke have also been cleared to join the squad, ensuring a full-strength bowling contingent for the series. The availability of these bowlers is seen as a crucial advantage for New Zealand, particularly given the challenging conditions at Lord’s. Henry’s Test career has been marked by consistent performances, with a total of 140 wickets at an average of 27. Since the retirements of key bowlers Tim Southee, Trent Boult, and Neil Wagner, he has emerged as the de facto leader of the attack. In his last 15 Tests, Henry has claimed 85 wickets at an impressive average of 18.1, underscoring his reliability and effectiveness. New Zealand captain Tom Latham praised Henry’s contributions, highlighting his ability to lead the attack and his experience in English conditions. “Looking at Henry’s record over the last three or four years, since taking the new ball, he’s been amazing for us,” Latham said during a press conference at Lord’s.#new_zealand #england #tom_latham #matt_henry #lord_s

Tom Latham Relishes Rare Chance to Hit England with Full-Strength Seam Attack New Zealand captain Tom Latham expressed excitement about facing England in a Test series with a fully loaded seam bowling attack, highlighting the team’s depth and adaptability. The squad, which includes returning fast bowlers Kyle Jamieson and Will O’Rourke, is set to deploy a potent mix of pace and movement, aiming to disrupt England’s gameplan following their recent Ashes defeat in Australia. Latham emphasized the importance of having multiple options at his disposal, calling it an “awesome” situation for the team. Jamieson, the 6ft 8in fast bowler, is set to return to Test cricket after a two-year injury absence, while O’Rourke has recovered from a back injury. Matt Henry, the experienced seamer, will lead the attack, supported by Nathan Smith, whose recent county cricket experience in England could earn him a spot in the fourth seamer role. Jacob Duffy, who missed the tour due to paternity leave, is absent, but the squad’s seam stocks are otherwise fully loaded, with Blair Tickner and Zak Foulkes also in the squad. Latham confirmed the availability of all key quicks, describing the depth as a significant advantage. The New Zealand team’s preparation has been affected by persistent rain in London, forcing indoor training sessions. Latham joked about the lack of fun in the nets but expressed confidence in the bowlers’ readiness for the upcoming Test matches. He praised Henry’s leadership, noting his ability to move the ball in the air and off the surface, as well as his role as a strike weapon. Henry, who recently played in the IPL, joined the squad early after his franchise was eliminated from the tournament, flying to England ahead of schedule. His fitness was confirmed after a minor hamstring injury in India.#kyle_jamieson #tom_latham #matt_henry #nathan_smith #will_o_rourke
New Zealand Cricket Team Navigates Matt Henry's Absence Ahead of Semi-Final New Zealand fast bowler Matt Henry has returned home to be with his family for the birth of his second child, raising concerns about his availability for the team’s semi-final against India in Kolkata on March 4. Coach Rob Walter confirmed Henry is safely at home, emphasizing the team’s focus on ensuring a smooth delivery for the newborn. “We’re first and foremost hoping everything goes off smoothly with the birth of his child and that he’s able to celebrate with his family,” Walter said. While the team remains optimistic Henry could return the day before the semi-final, Walter stressed that all possible scenarios are accounted for. If Henry is unavailable, New Zealand plans to recall Jacob Duffy, a seam bowler who was left out of the squad for the spin-friendly conditions in Colombo. Duffy, who has been a key performer for the team over the past 18 months, could replace either Cole McConchie or Ish Sodhi in the bowling attack. Walter highlighted the depth of the squad, noting that players like Kyle Jamieson are also ready to step in. “We’ve got very capable people sitting on the bench,” he said, underscoring the team’s preparedness for any contingency. The team’s recent match against Sri Lanka provided a critical test as they aimed to secure a semi-final spot. New Zealand’s victory in the Khettarama match, where opener Cole McConchie played a pivotal role, was secured after Sri Lanka reached 207 for 6. Walter admitted to only partially watching the game, checking in at a crucial moment to confirm the outcome. “I knew there was a good chance they would score those next three runs,” he said, expressing relief at the result.#kolkata #new_zealand_cricket_team #matt_henry #rob_walter #jacob_duffy
Matt Henry Doubtful for T20 World Cup Semi-Final vs South Africa New Zealand’s cricket team faces uncertainty ahead of their T20 World Cup semi-final against South Africa, with their top fast bowler, Matt Henry, possibly missing the match. Captain Mitchell Santner hinted at the team’s pre-match press conference that Henry, who has been a key performer in the tournament, might not be available for the game. Santner revealed that Henry had returned to New Zealand to attend the birth of his child and was set to rejoin the squad in India on Tuesday, March 3. Henry’s absence could significantly impact New Zealand’s bowling attack, as he has been instrumental in the team’s success so far. In the Super 8s stage, he delivered a standout performance against Sri Lanka, taking two wickets for just three runs in a crucial match. His efficiency was evident as he bowled only two overs, delivering 10 dot balls and dismantling the Lankan top order. His form continued in the subsequent game against England, where he conceded 19 runs in 2.3 overs, picking up one wicket. Santner provided further insight into Henry’s potential availability for the semi-final, stating that the bowler’s readiness would depend on how his body responded to the long flight from New Zealand. “Matt is currently in the air, he’s landing tonight, so I guess we’ll see how he pulls up,” Santner said. “It’s obviously quite far away, New Zealand from here. But he’ll obviously have a little run around in the morning, see if he’s ready to go. So yeah, hopefully he’s good to go.” The semi-final against South Africa, scheduled for March 4 at Eden Gardens, marks the first time the two teams have faced each other in the tournament.#south_africa #t20_world_cup #mitchell_santner #eden_gardens #matt_henry
Matt Henry doubtful for semi-final vs South Africa, hints Mitchell Santner New Zealand’s cricket team faces uncertainty ahead of their T20 World Cup semi-final against South Africa, with star fast bowler Matt Henry potentially missing the match. Captain Mitchell Santner provided updates during a pre-match press conference, revealing that Henry had returned to New Zealand for the birth of his child and was set to rejoin the squad in India on Tuesday, March 3. Santner emphasized that Henry’s availability for the semi-final would depend on his physical condition following the long flight from New Zealand. Henry has been a standout performer in the tournament, delivering crucial contributions in New Zealand’s Super 8s game against Sri Lanka. In that match, he took two wickets for just three runs in two overs, showcasing his precision with 10 dot balls. His impact was further highlighted in the subsequent game against England, where he bowled 2.3 overs for 19 runs. Despite his recent form, Henry’s absence looms large for the semi-final, as he is considered one of New Zealand’s most reliable fast bowlers. Santner described Henry’s return to the team as a process that would involve assessing his readiness after the flight. “Matt is currently in the air, he’s landing tonight, so I guess we’ll see how he pulls up,” Santner said. “It’s obviously quite far away, New Zealand from here. But he’ll obviously have a little run around in the morning, see if he’s ready to go. So yeah, hopefully he’s good to go.” The semi-final against South Africa will take place at Eden Gardens on March 4, with the match starting at 7 pm IST. New Zealand and South Africa have met once in the tournament, with the Proteas emerging victorious in Ahmedabad.#south_africa #mitchell_santner #eden_gardens #matt_henry #marco_jansen
New Zealand's Finn Allen smashed the fastest century in T20 World Cup history during the semi-final clash against South Africa in Kolkata, leading his team to a dominant nine-wicket victory and a berth in the final. Chasing 170 runs, Allen scored an unbeaten 100 off just 33 balls, breaking the previous record of 47 balls set by Chris Gayle. His explosive innings, which included eight sixes and 10 fours, secured a comfortable win with 7.1 overs remaining. Allen reached his milestone with a powerful six off successive deliveries, celebrating with a roar at Eden Gardens. The New Zealand innings was anchored by a 117-run partnership with Tim Seifert, who scored 58 off 9.1 overs. Seifert contributed two sixes and seven fours, while Allen's aggressive strokeplay included 10 fours and eight sixes. The duo's partnership laid the foundation for a commanding total, as New Zealand's bowlers restricted South Africa to 169-8. Spinners Rachin Ravindra and Cole McConchie each claimed two wickets, limiting the visitors' scoring opportunities. South Africa, the 2024 runners-up, had entered the match unbeaten in seven games but struggled to recover from a mid-innings collapse. They were reduced to 77-5 before Marco Jansen steadied the innings with an unbeaten 55. Jansen, who hit two fours and five sixes in his 30-ball knock, partnered Tristan Stubbs for a 73-run stand. However, New Zealand's pace bowlers, including Matt Henry, who returned to the team after a personal absence, kept the pressure on. Henry took 2-34, while Ravindra and McConchie disrupted the South African batting order early. South Africa's half-century partnerships were short-lived, with key wickets falling to Ravindra and McConchie. Quinton de Kock and Ryan Rickelton were dismissed in quick succession, and David Miller was caught by Daryl Mitchell for six runs.#tim_seifert #cole_mcconchie #finn_allen #rachin_ravindra #matt_henry