Seam bowler Matt Henry has joined the BLACKCAPS training camp in Pretoria on a high, after finishing up his three and a half month stint in county cricket by taking 3 for 15 for Worcestershire.
Henry was praised by his Worcestershire coach Steve Rhodes who said he'd happily welcome the seam bowler back to the county next season.
Henry's 27 championship wickets have helped the Rapids stay in the hunt for promotion from division two. In his final championship match for the county he finished with match figures of 8 for 88 as they beat Northamptonshire by a whopping 311 runs.
"Matt's bowled well and hasn't always had the reward so to see him get his reward at Northampton was really satisfying." Said Rhodes.
"He really clicked with his rhythm and swung the ball nicely."
"Maybe with him going away with the New Zealand team and readying himself for a Test series, it has put him in a good spot mentally as to how he feels about his bowling and form-wise."
"We shouldn't forget Matt's batting this year," he added
"This guy is averaging 45 in first-class cricket and played some important knocks as well in the white ball format. He is very good all-round cricketer but is also a tremendous bloke and he has fitted in so well in our dressing room. We really do wish him well in his time with New Zealand."
"It's great to know another player will be leaving Worcester very happy and proud of the dressing room and the characters we've got around. I know he has enjoyed his stay here."
"Would I like to see him back one day? Yes he is definitely the type of cricketer who appeals to us because he is whole-hearted, tries hard, is a talented bowler and we all know he can strike a rocket ball as well. He is definitely the type of cricketer, who, at some stage in the future, we would definitely love to have back."
Henry played six championship matches for Worcestershire taking 27 wickets at an average of 26.73.
He also played 11 T20 blast matches taking seven wickets.
