Matt Henry rested from New Zealand squad for fifth ODI against India, sent to Test preparations
Matt Henry is not part of New Zealand’s squad for the fifth ODI against India, the final match of the five-game series, the omission reported on November 15, 2026. The Black Caps have rested Henry to join preparations for the upcoming two-match Test series.
New Zealand enter the last ODI trailing India 2-1 in the series, with a win required to tie the contest 2-2; their recent victory kept them on course to draw the series. The fifth ODI is therefore important for the hosts to prevent India from clinching the series 3-1. New Zealand had previously lost the T20I series to India 3-2.
Henry produced a standout performance in the previous ODI at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui on November 13, taking six wickets for 27 runs. In that match he dismissed Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer in the first over of the second innings without conceding a run, and later removed Ishan Kishan, Kuldeep Yadav and Gurnoor Brar, with the Indian side kept below 100 and beaten by 244 runs.
In compiling that spell Henry bowled 45 dot balls and finished with six wickets, figures that made him one of New Zealand’s leading bowlers in the series after the fourth ODI. He became the Black Caps’ joint highest wicket-taker in the ongoing series alongside Jacob Duffy, who also had six wickets but in two matches.
The 34-year-old right-arm bowler had a contrasting recent run in the shorter format, failing to take a single wicket in two T20I appearances against India last month. Selectors nevertheless moved to prioritise his availability for the Test phase of the tour rather than name him for the fifth ODI.
New Zealand’s management said the decision was to place Henry into Test preparations, a move the article notes will be important for the ongoing ICC World Test Championship cycle. The change in selection means he will not be available for the match in which New Zealand can level the ODI series.
The two-match Test series begins on November 19 at the Basin Reserve in Wellington; Henry has joined New Zealand’s Test preparations ahead of that series.
