New Zealand have made a late change to their squad for Saturday’s third one-day international against England, drafting in Northern Districts quick Kristian Clarke after Matt Henry was ruled out with a calf strain.
Henry felt the twinge during training in Hamilton and missed Wednesday’s second ODI. New Zealand Cricket confirmed on Thursday that the seamer is heading back to Christchurch for treatment rather than travelling south to Wellington. “The scans showed a minor strain, but it’s enough to keep Matt off his feet for a short spell,” the team physio said in a brief statement.
Clarke, 24, earns a first senior call-up on the back of eye-catching domestic form. Only a few hours before the squad announcement he smacked an unbeaten 100 from 107 balls, then took 3 for 57 as Northern Districts beat Central Districts by 113 runs (DLS) in the Ford Trophy. It was his first hundred in representative cricket and underlined a useful knack for contributing with bat and ball.
Since debuting in 2022, the right-armer has collected 52 List-A wickets at 26.55 and chipped in with 332 runs at 22.13. He also impressed at the 2020 Under-19 World Cup in South Africa, topping New Zealand’s wicket list with seven in three games. Those who have followed his progress talk up his bounce and late movement; the selectors clearly feel he is ready for the next step. “Kristian’s numbers speak for themselves and he’s been knocking on the door for a while,” selector Sam Wells noted.
With the hosts already 2-0 up – victories in Mount Maunganui and Hamilton wrapped up the series – Saturday’s match offers Clarke a low-pressure entry but a valuable audition. Head coach Gary Stead pointed to the long season ahead. “We’ve got a busy summer and need depth. Losing Matt is frustrating, yet it opens a window for someone else.”
New Zealand’s focus will quickly shift to the home T20Is against West Indies starting 5 November, so any overs Clarke bowls at the Basin Reserve will provide handy data for the coaches. England, meanwhile, are playing for pride after a limp showing so far, and will be wary of an energetic debutant looking to make his mark.
A first cap is never straightforward, but Clarke’s recent form suggests he is ready to test himself at the highest level. “I’m just excited,” he told local media before jumping on the flight to Wellington. “If the chance comes, I’ll try to keep things simple and enjoy the moment.”
