Veteran pacer Matt Henry has been ruled out of the third ODI against England on Saturday. New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has called up uncapped all-rounder Kristian Clarke as his replacement.
According to NZC, Henry has returned to Christchurch after failing to recover from the left calf strain that ruled him out of the second ODI against England in Hamilton, which the home side won to seal the series.
This is the second enforced change in the squad for the ongoing series. Earlier, Blair Tickner replaced Kyle Jamieson ahead of the second ODI and helped his team secure victory.
Clarke joins the national squad for the first time. The 24-year-old has been in good form, most recently notching his maiden domestic century and claiming a three-wicket haul in the Ford Trophy to help Northern Districts defeat the Central Stags in New Plymouth.
Since making his debut for Northern Districts in 2022, he has played 75 matches across the three formats. As part of the New Zealand A squad, he travelled to Bangladesh earlier this year. Overall, in a domestic career that began in 2022, Clarke has scored 332 runs at an average of 22.13 and taken 52 wickets at an average of 26.55 in 31 List A games.
He first emerged as a player to watch in 2020, catching attention with his all-round brilliance at the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup in South Africa.
Wellington will host the third and final ODI of the series. New Zealand will be aiming for a series whitewash, while England will be seeking a consolation win.
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