ICC World Cup 2023: Who Has New Zealand Flown In As Cover For Injured Matt Henry And Lockie Ferguson?

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New Zealand suffered another blow on Wednesday (November 1) during their 190-run loss to South Africa at the MCA Stadium in Pune in the ongoing ICC World Cup 2023.

The Blackcaps, who had lost speedster Lockie Ferguson in their clash against Australia last week due to achilles injury, were dealt with another blow to one of their other pacers in the match against South Africa.

Apart from Ferguson, New Zealand also have skipper Kane Williamson and Mark Chapman already on the sidelines due to injuries. And on Wednesday (November 1) another premier bowler was also added to the list.

Matt Henry, who has so far claimed 11 wickets in the tournament, became the latest to join the Kiwis injury list as the pacer was forced off the field with a hamstring issue after completing 5.3 overs.

In one positive news, Tim Southee, who missed the start of the tournament, returned to the playing 11 for the first time since his surgery. Despite his return, New Zealand are short on numbers in the pace department.

So, New Zealand have flown in Kyle Jamieson, who was part of the squad earlier, as cover for the injured Henry and Ferguson. The lanky pacer is set to arrive in time for the crucial match against Pakistan in Bengaluru on Saturday (New Zealand).

Coach Gary Stead said there was no option but to bring in cover as he revealed the extent of Henry's injury and added that the injured pacer will undergo scans on Thursday (November 2).

"The severity of Matt's injury, combined with a short turnaround to Pakistan, meant we couldn't risk being a bowler down for Saturday," Stead was quoted as saying by New Zealand Cricket (NZC).

"Matt's been a world class performer for us in ODI cricket for the past two World Cup cycles so we've got our fingers crossed for the scan results later today."

Stead further added that Jamieson was well prepared to return to India as he trained with the squad earlier and has also had an outing in the Plunket Shield.

"Kyle's on his way over as we speak and we look forward to welcoming him back into the group. He'll likely train with us on Friday with a mind to being available for Saturday's game," Stead added.

"Kyle was able to train for two full weeks with us earlier in the tournament and has since played a Plunket Shield match - so we're confident he'll be able to hit the ground running."

Southee and Trent Boult are the only two specialist options available for selection. So, Jamieson's arrival will be a boost as it looks very unlikley that Ferguson or Henry will be ift for the next match.

New Zealand could also use Jimmy Neesham and Daryl Mitchell to fill in the void, but having a specialist option to support Boult and Southee could be crucial. Also, the addition of Jamieson will increase the strength of the squad, which is currently at 12 with Williamson also out injured.

New Zealand face Pakistan at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on November followed by Sri Lanka at the same venue on November 9 in their last two league stage matches.