Matt Henry keen to put injury setbacks behind him before India Tests

New Zealand fast bowler Matt Henry said he was eager to move past recent injury setbacks as he prepared for a busy home summer, headlined by a two-Test series against India beginning at Wellington on November 19. Henry suffered a concussion in a training collision with teammate Devon Conway and is set to return for the fourth ODI in Mount Maunganui on Friday, November 13, 2026.

The 34-year-old missed the third ODI after the concussion but has reported good progress ahead of the Mount Maunganui fixture. "Yeah, I've been a little bit unlucky. So thankfully, progressing well with the head," he said ahead of Friday's fourth ODI against India. "It's been a bit frustrating, obviously pushing things back. But the main thing is we've still got plenty of cricket to play. And no, it's just been a really exciting summer," he added.

Henry has been named in New Zealand's 14-member squad for the Test series against India; the squad list also includes Conway, Rachin Ravindra and Tom Blundell, who are recovering from their respective injuries. He reported a minor quadriceps issue but described it as nothing major and said he was taking a cautious approach because of the packed schedule. "Yeah, no, not too concerned. That was nothing too major. It's just we've got a lot of cricket coming up. So being just smart about that. So that was fine after a couple of days," he said.

Describing the training collision with Conway, Henry said both players had a blind spot and suffered a heavy clash. "Yeah, no, it wasn't ideal. We're just doing some fielding and unfortunately just both have a bit of a blind spot, so managed to have a big head clash with Dev, which was not great. So haven't seen Dev yet. "He's obviously been at home, so looking forward to catching up with him and make sure he's all right as well," he said.

With New Zealand scheduled to play 10 Tests between now and March, Henry highlighted squad depth and communication as key to managing fast-bowling workloads. "At this stage, we'll get into camp. And we'll look to play every game we can. But we'll probably play it as we see it. We've obviously got a lot of bowlers. "We've got a big squad as well. And we know we've got a lot of cricket too. So managing the workload is always going to be a challenge. With so much cricket to be played. But it is a moving thing. And just communication throughout will be key," Henry said.

Although the series against India carries World Test Championship significance, Henry said New Zealand were concentrating on their own performances starting with the India Tests at home. "So for us it's actually focusing on the games we've got, which just starts with India. And we'll look to play our cricket like we have. And playing at home is really important for us as well. "So we know it's a big series, but it's something that we've, yeah, we love playing here at home. So we'll be looking forward to it."

Henry, who had not yet played in the ongoing ODI series, noted the team's efforts despite results and referenced the washed-out third match. New Zealand trail 0-2 in the series after the third ODI was washed out. "I think the way that we were defending a low total on a tricky wicket, we did really well, and if it wasn't for the rain, it was going to be a really close finish. "So really proud of how the guys have been going and we look forward to coming here in the Mount, which we present different challenges again. So we look forward to that and we've got two important games to come."

Henry is scheduled to play the fourth ODI in Mount Maunganui on November 13 and remains part of New Zealand's 14-player Test squad for the two-Test series beginning at Wellington on November 19.