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New Zealand on Thursday included fast bowler Kyle Jamieson to their World Cup squad with a cloud of doubt hovering over pacer Matt Henry’s availability for a key clash against Pakistan. The Black Caps have also confirmed that Lockie Ferguson, who missed the match against South Africa due to an injury, is now fit and will be “available” for the Pakistan match on November 4.
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Jamieson, the 28-year-old six feet eight inches tall pacer, will arrive in Bengaluru late on Thursday ahead of Saturday’s game against Pakistan.
New Zealand have been left in a tricky situation towards the business end of the tournament with as many as four of their players, including two pacers, battling injuries.
World Cup 2023: News | Schedule | Results | Points table
While regular skipper Kane Williamson (thumb) and Mark Chapman (calf) were already nursing injuries, Henry and James Neesham joined the list on Wednesday with the former hurting his hamstring.
With Henry awaiting scan results on his right hamstring, New Zealand were forced to fly in Jamieson, who was previously with the squad as cover for Tim Southee.
“The severity of Matt’s injury, combined with a short turnaround to Pakistan, meant we couldn’t risk being a bowler down for Saturday,” Head coach Gary Stead said in a statement. “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 said Jamieson was well-prepared to return to India.
“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.
“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.” New Zealand have slumped to three successive losses following four wins, leaving them with 8 points in the points table.
Ferguson fit to return
Ferguson walked off the game against Australia on October 28 after experiencing a niggle in his right Achilles and was ruled out of their match against South Africa.
“Lockie Ferguson’s scan on his right Achilles revealed no significant damage and it’s hoped he’ll be available for Saturday’s game against Pakistan in Bengaluru,” New Zealand cricket said in a statement.
X-ray clears Neesham of any broken bones
Giving an update on Neesham, NZC said: “Jimmy Neesham is nursing a bruised right wrist after he was struck by the ball while bowling in the first innings.
“The injury saw Neesham slide down the batting order to number nine, but an X-ray has cleared him of any broken bones.” The board also said Chapman and Williamson “will be assessed again in Bengaluru ahead of Saturday’s penultimate round-robin match.” New Zealand will arrive in Bengaluru from Pune on Thursday afternoon.
New Zealand will face Pakistan in Bengaluru before clashing with Sri Lanka on November 9.
With PTI inputs
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