![Matt Henry ruled out of Ireland Test [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1779875614471_Matt_Henry.jpg?type=hq)
Matt Henry ruled out of Ireland Test [Source: AFP]
Matt Henry has been ruled out of the New Zealand playing XI for their one-off Test match against Ireland. Earlier, the speedster was included in the travelling New Zealand squad for the Ireland Test as well as for the Test series in England by New Zealand Cricket (NZC).
Here, we look at the exact reason why Matt Henry was excluded from the New Zealand XI for the historic Test in Ireland.
Why is Matt Henry not facing Ireland?
Prior to the opening day of the match, NZC confirmed that fast bowler Matt Henry will not be facing Ireland at the Civil Service Cricket Club in Stormont, Belfast. As per the update, Matt Henry is recovering from a low-grade left hamstring strain.
The 34-year-old will now be joining fellow fast bowlers Will O’Rourke and Kyle Jamieson in London as part of New Zealand’s training for the upcoming three-match away Test series against England.
Dean Foxcroft makes Test debut
At the toss, New Zealand captain Tom Latham confirmed that spin-bowling all-rounder Dean Foxcroft will be making his Test debut in the match.
In the absence of injured Matt Henry, the New Zealand playing XI includes pace-bowling all-rounders Nathan Smith and Zak Foulkes, as well as pace specialist Blair Tickner and Ben Sears.
All-time great Kane Williamson made his return to international cricket on the occasion, and he was joined alongside the likes of star middle-order batters Rachin Ravindra and Daryl Mitchell and wicketkeeper-batter Tom Blundell.
Captain Tom Latham opened the innings with fellow top-order batter Devon Conway. Here is a look at New Zealand’s entire playing XI for the one-off Test against Ireland.
New Zealand playing XI vs Ireland:
Tom Latham (c), Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell (wk), Dean Foxcroft, Nathan Smith, Zak Foulkes, Blair Tickner and Ben Sears
Tom Latham departs for duck after losing toss
Prior to the match, Ireland captain Andy Balbirnie won the toss and opted to field first. His fast bowler Mark Adair responded within the first over of the first morning session, with the huge wicket of New Zealand captain and prolific opener Tom Latham.
The speedster knocked over Latham for a two-ball duck as New Zealand lost its first wicket for 4-1 in 0.2 overs, thus prompting an early arrival of number three Kane Williamson.
Ireland pitstop a testing ground for England series
The New Zealand team is currently on a one-month long tour of Europe. While the ‘Black Caps’ will start off with a one-off historic Test against Ireland, Tom Latham and co. will subsequently fly to England to play a fresh series of three Test matches.
The series will also constitute a part of the ongoing 2025-27 World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. The first Test of the series will be played between June 4 and June 8 at Lord’s.
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