Matt Henry Ruled Out of Early County Championship Rounds by Knee Injury
New Zealand fast bowler Matt Henry has been ruled out of the early rounds of the County Championship 2025 due to a knee injury. Henry was due to join Somerset on April 7 for an 11-week stint, but his arrival has been delayed as he undergoes a “phased rehabilitation programme” under New Zealand’s medical team, Somerset confirmed.
The news is a significant blow to Somerset, who were excited to have Henry on board for the upcoming County Championship season. Henry, who has played 31 Tests and 41 ODIs for New Zealand, has been a consistent performer for the national team and has also had success in county cricket, taking 54 wickets at an average of 24.36 in his previous stint with Kent.
The injury is not the first setback for Henry, who has struggled with his knee in the past. In 2020, he underwent surgery on his right knee and missed several months of cricket. However, he made a successful return to the national team in 2021 and has been a regular member of the New Zealand squad since then.
Despite the setback, Somerset remains hopeful that Henry will be able to join the team later in the season. “We are disappointed to hear that Matt Henry will be unable to join us for the early rounds of the County Championship, but we are working closely with him and the New Zealand medical team to ensure he makes a full recovery,” a Somerset spokesperson said.
Henry’s absence will be a significant blow to Somerset, who are already facing a challenging season. The team has struggled to find consistency in their performances in recent years, and the loss of a key player like Henry will only add to their challenges.
However, Somerset will be hoping that Henry’s absence will be short-lived and that he will be able to join the team later in the season. In the meantime, they will have to rely on their other bowlers to perform well and help the team achieve success in the County Championship.
The County Championship is one of the most prestigious domestic cricket competitions in the world, and Somerset will be hoping to make a strong impression in the 2025 season. The team has a strong squad and will be looking to challenge for the title, despite the loss of Henry.
In conclusion, Matt Henry’s knee injury is a significant setback for Somerset and the County Championship. However, the team remains hopeful that Henry will be able to join them later in the season and make a positive impact. In the meantime, they will have to rely on their other bowlers to perform well and help the team achieve success in the competition.
