Jamieson Set for Third T20 as Henry, Ferguson Await Scans
New Zealand's injury concerns deepened on Sunday as pacers Matt Henry and Lockie Ferguson prepare for scans on Tuesday, October 27. Head coach Rob Walter gave the update, outlining how the squad plans to manage its bowlers over the coming weeks.
Henry's campaign in the T20 series is over. He will stay in Christchurch and rejoin the one-day squad in Auckland on November 2, ahead of the first ODI. The seamer left Saturday's match after two overs, citing calf tightness, captain Mitchell Santner said.
Ferguson, who also left the field as a precaution, will not play the Wellington T20. He is expected back for the final two matches, in Auckland and Hamilton.
In a video shared on Sunday, Walter said the team was awaiting clarity. "Both players are being assessed," he said. "We have a public holiday, and then the scans take place on Tuesday. That will give us more detail on their injuries. As always, we hope everything goes well and they can return soon."
The coach stressed that rotating fast bowlers had been part of New Zealand's plan from the start of the series. The idea is to manage workloads and prepare several pacers for the upcoming five-match ODI series and two-match Test series. Adam Milne did not play the previous match for that reason.
Kyle Jamieson will feature in the third T20 and then turn out for Canterbury in a Ford Trophy game at the Basin Reserve. Blair Tickner will come into the squad for the last three matches, and Josh Clarkson will join for the final two. Matt Fisher will be on hand as cover for the Wellington match.
Walter said the process was not perfect but necessary. "This is not an exact science," he said. "We are trying to give everyone the chance to prepare well and perform when they take the field. We hope it works for us."
He also praised Santner's performance in the second T20, when he picked up four wickets on a pitch with little turn. Those figures brought New Zealand close to a win before they fell short. Walter noted Santner's skill in changing pace and using the crease, calling it a fine display.
Walter admitted the defeat was frustrating. "The game had swung our way, and we should have won it," he said. "Sometimes that does not happen in sport."
On Santner as captain, Walter said his calm nature in tough moments stood out. "He is very steady under pressure, and that matters when a lot is going on. The players have huge respect for his leadership and how he manages the group."