New Zealand is “hopeful” pace bowler Matt Henry will recover from a shoulder injury in time for its Champions Trophy final against India on Sunday, coach Gary Stead said.
Henry is racing to be fit for the title clash in Dubai after he injured his right shoulder while taking a catch in the semifinal win over South Africa on Wednesday.
“Look, Matt Henry obviously landed on his shoulder and it was pretty uncomfortable,” Stead told reporters on Friday. “I guess the positive thing from our perspective is he got back out there to bowl.”
Henry has been key to New Zealand’s title hopes in the 50-over tournament and returned figures of 5-42 against India a group match that the Black Caps lost.
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Henry took a catch to dismiss Heinrich Klaasen in South Africa’s chase of 363 in Lahore but landed awkwardly during the effort.
He went off the field but returned to bowl two more overs in his spell of seven.
“We’ve had some scans and stuff done on him and we’re going to give him every chance to be playing in this match,” said Stead.
“So still a little bit unknown at this stage. He’s obviously pretty sore just from landing on the point of his shoulder.
“Hopeful he will be okay.”