Henry to replace Allen: NZC

New Zealand have called pacer Matt Henry into the squad for the five-match T20I series against Bangladesh as a replacement for batsman Finn Allen, who tested positive for Covid-19 last Tuesday and has since been recovering in isolation, informed the New Zealand Cricket (NZC) through a press release today. 

New Zealand are scheduled to tour Pakistan for three ODIs and five T20Is following the completion of the series against Bangladesh. And Henry was initially selected solely for their tour of Pakistan but will now depart New Zealand on August 30 to join the Kiwis in Dhaka. 

"Several factors played a part in the decision to send Henry, not least vaccinations and isolation periods on arrival in Dhaka, the availability of MIQ beds upon return to New Zealand, and workload considerations for other candidates," NZC explained the reason behind the sudden call-up of Henry. 

Henry, a right-arm quick, is certainly not a like-for-like replacement for Allen, a top-order batsman. But Kiwi head coach Gary Stead mentioned that Henry was their best option in current circumstances. 

"Matt's clearly not a like-for-like replacement for Allen, but he expands our selection options and, in the current circumstances, is the best equipped to join the side at such short notice," Stead, from Christchurch, was quoted as saying by NZC. 
 
"He's received both doses of the Covid-19 vaccination and already has an MIQ bed allocated for his return."
 
Stead said he didn't consider players currently in the UK for the Hundred due to the seven-day isolation period they would face on arrival into Dhaka.
 
"And, in the current environment, we remain mindful of the need to carefully balance player workloads," Stead added.

Meanwhile, Allen will remain with the team in Dhaka and continue to be monitored by the Kiwis' team doctor Pat McHugh.