XtraTime Web Desk: New Zealand cricket team has included right-arm fast bowler Matt Henry as cover for their speedster Neil Wagner ahead of the first Test against India which is set to begin from Friday at the Basin Reserve. Wagner is waiting for the birth of his first child & is likely to miss the first Test. “Matt Henry has been called into the Blackcaps Test squad as cover for Neil Wagner who is awaiting the birth of his child. Henry will arrive in Wellington this evening,” said New Zealand Cricket in a statement on their official Twitter handle. Henry, who has played 12 Tests so far, wasn’t initially picked in the 13-man squad as the selectors went with uncapped pacer Kyle Jamieson. In case Wagner fails to make it to the opening game, the hosts are expected to hand Jamieson a debut instead of drafting Henry straight into the playing XI. Henry last featured in the New Year’s Test against Australia in Sydney in which he ended up picking just two wickets. The 28-year-old had played an instrumental role in New Zealand’s World Cup semi-final win over India last year. He had returned with figures of 3/37 and helped his side secure an 18-run victory over the Men in Blue at the Old Trafford. The Kiwis will go into the Test series on a back of a 3-0 win in ODIs following a 5-0 thrashing in the T20Is.

Matt Henry added to New Zealand Test squad. Find out why?