New Zealand had their preparations for a series-deciding ODI against England rocked by the loss of both Matt Henry and Glenn Phillips to injury. The visitors are now left nursing their wounds ahead of the final Test, with cut to one each and all still at stake.
Matt Henry has been one of New Zealand’s most valuable performers over the length of this series. After an excellent performance in the previous Test, he was instrumental to his side going on level terms. His ability to keep the ball swinging, correctly hit his length and take wickets at critical times meant that he always posed a threat with England’s batting top order. New Zealand lose an experienced hand at the peak of form, thus marauding a huge hole on their attack.
Henry’s niggle was sustained in the second Test cricket – a game where he felt “sore enough” for team management to assess his suitability. An attempt to get back for the key game failed when he was deemed unfit, following medical assessments. New Zealand will also have to reorganise their bowling unit and ask the rest of the seamers to shoulder bigger burdens in Whitaker’s absence as he was their first-choice paceman.
The news on Glenn Phillips is no less disheartening for the Black Caps. Phillips is now a reliable all-round package for the side and contributes with bat, athletic fielding as well damaging spin. He most recently hit a milestone when scoring his much-needed first Test century illustrating both the importance and confidence he brings to what has been an uncertain middle-order.
Phillips also suffered a groin injury which prevented him playing in the final. It really impacts a lot of areas for the team without him. With the bat, he can blow away or counter attacks if needed. On the field, his enthusiasm and quick reactions regularly prevent runs from being scored when it matters most, doing so much to create wicket-taking opportunities. He gives the team another spin option and serves as a back-up bowler. One player simply cannot replace all those contributions.
These injuries occur at a time when New Zealand seemed to be back on course in the series. Earlier in the tour, there were signs that they struggled as a team and with an impressive performance here it went someways towards levelling the contest but most importantly bolstering squad confidence. The team approached their preparations for the final Test in good spirits, but there is no doubt that plans have been complicated by two influential players ruled out through injury.
Now the selectors have to identify viable replacements who can perform under pressure in such a big match. New Zealand have depth in classier squad members chomping at the bit for game-time, but replacing players like Henry and Phillips is never easy. In order to keep the visitors competitive, newcomers will have to adapt quickly and contribute immediately.
Injuries could offer England an opportunity to take advantage. And help relieve some of the pressure on a home side up against a New Zealand team missing one of its premier bowlers and an all-rounder. But England also realise that New Zealand have demonstrated a certain belief in their fortitude, often thriving when party-poopers to show the path.
The main question for the series-deciding Test, then, is how New Zealand respond. Injuries are a part of the game, however, those who excel above face these challenges stronger. There is hope in the Black Caps camp that others can answer the call to help offset Henry and Phillips’ absence.
The fifth and final Test – which promises to be a gripping battle with the series in the balance, taking place later this week Now it falls to New Zealand to prove they have the depth and drive to see this through without two of their prime players in what is one most critical junctures.
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