Henry is back for West Indies ODIs, Tickner stays on the team

Henry is back for West Indies ODIs, Tickner stays on the team

West Indies ODIs: Matt Henry returned to the side after the injury as New Zealand announced the squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against West Indies, starting at Hagley Oval on November 16.

Matt Henry is set to make his return for New Zealand in the upcoming three-match ODI series against West Indies, starting November 16 at Hagley Oval. He had missed the last two ODIs against England due to a calf injury and has since been undergoing a planned conditioning and rehab program to prepare for both the ODIs and the Test series that follows in December.

Blair Tickner, who filled in for Kyle Jamieson during the England series, has kept his place in the squad even though Jamieson is now fit. Tickner impressed with eight wickets in two games and has earned praise from head coach Rob Walter for stepping up when needed.

New Zealand’s pace attack will also feature Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, and Nathan Smith. Spin duties will be handled by Captain Mitchell Santner, Michael Bracewell, and Rachin Ravindra.

Several players are still recovering from injuries and won’t be part of the ODI series. This includes Mohammad Abbas, Finn Allen, Lockie Ferguson, Adam Milne, Will O’Rourke, Glenn Phillips, and Ben Sears. Kane Williamson is also not in the ODI squad as he continues to recover from a groin injury and will focus on getting ready for the Test series starting December 2.

Coach Rob Walter highlighted Henry’s importance to the team, calling him a senior leader of the pace group and expressing confidence in his readiness after a good rest. He also praised Tickner’s recent performances and emphasised the importance of rewarding players who deliver when given opportunities.

Looking ahead to the West Indies challenge, Walter acknowledged their ability to change games quickly and stressed the importance of the series for New Zealand’s growth in the format. The squad will assemble in Christchurch on November 14, aiming to extend their streak of ten straight home ODI series wins, following a 3-0 sweep over England last month.

Meanwhile, the ongoing five-match T20I series between New Zealand and West Indies is currently level at 1-1 after two matches.

New Zealand squad for West Indies ODI

Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (c), Devon Conway, Mark Chapman, Jacob Duffy, Matt Henry, Zak Foulkes, Kyle Jamieson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (wk), Rachin Ravindra, Blair Tickner, Nathan Smith, Will Young