Few sportsmen relish rest over playing.
BLACKCAPS pace bowler Matt Henry is no different.
However, following back to back Test matches in India, the 24 year old acknowledged it was wise to sit out the opening One Dayer in Dharamsala last Sunday.
“The body feels really good now,” Henry said on the eve of the second clash in Delhi.
“It was great to be playing Test cricket again, but it does take a toll on the body. It’s mainly adjusting to the heat and the different conditions - it’s quite exhausting. So it was good to have that decent break, especially as we spent a fair bit of time in the field in those Tests. There there was a lot of overs bowled and time put into the legs, so it’s good to manage the work loads and make sure I’m fresh and ready to go.”
In the final two Tests Henry bowled a combined 82 overs.
Still, the Canterbury quick said it was a challenge to sit on the sidelines in game one of the ODI series, especially as he watched his teammates fall to India by six wickets.
“It was tough, obviously everyone’s been training hard and doing the right things and after the Test series we really wanted to make a statement that first game. Unfortunately it wasn’t to be, but the guys are still up for it and hungry to turn it around.”
If selected for game two, Henry’s new ball prowess will be a welcome addition to the BLACKCAPS.
He’s already claimed 51 wickets in his 25 game ODI career with a strike rate of 24.5, which has seen him elevated the fifth ranked One Day bowler in the world.
“I’m really looking forward to getting the white ball back in the hand, especially over here where it’s a great challenge. India at home - it doesn’t get much tougher than that so it will be a good test.
“You’re not going to have that same bounce and carry that you get back at home. In the middle period you’re going to have to use your variations. You’ve really got to try and stay ahead of the batsmen over here because once they get a read on you it can be quite tough.”
Henry said despite the tough tour to date - the group was still in a good head space and confident they can fight for the One Day series.
“We’ve got to realise and identify that we have had a lot of success over the last wee while in this format and I think it’s important one game doesn’t really determine in our minds how we’re actually playing.
“Everyone’s determined to make amends in the areas we need to make some adjustments in and I think we’ll be ready to go and put a good test to the Indians in the 2nd ODI.”
The second ODI against India in Delhi starts Thursday 9pm NZT live on SKY SPORT and live scored at blackcaps.co.nz
You can also keep up to date with the build up and behind the scenes action from game day via our Twitter @BLACKCAPS and Instagram @BLACKCAPSNZ accounts.
