Why Matt Henry is Not Playing Today in NZ vs IND 5th ODI? Here's the Reason

New Zealand and India are locking horns in the fifth and final ODI of the five-match series on Sunday, November 15, at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui. The visitors currently hold a 2-1 lead and will look to seal the series with another victory.

Meanwhile, the hosts will be eager to bounce back after their emphatic win in the previous encounter. However, New Zealand make some important changes to their bowling attack ahead of the series decider, with two experienced pacers, Matt Henry and Kyle Jamieson, missing out.

Why Matt Henry is Not Playing Today?

Matt Henry is unavailable for the fifth ODI against India as New Zealand release him for preparations ahead of the upcoming Test series. Kyle Jamieson is also released for the same reason, leaving the hosts without two of their experienced fast bowlers for the series decider.

Henry's absence comes as a significant blow to one of the best cricket teams in the world, New Zealand, considering his outstanding performance in the fourth ODI. The right-arm pacer produced a sensational spell of 6/27, dismantling India's batting lineup and playing a decisive role in the hosts' 244-run victory.

He dismissed Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer for ducks in the opening over, leaving India reeling at 0/3. However, with the two-match Test series approaching, New Zealand prioritised their preparations and rested both pacers for the final ODI.

India vs New Zealand Upcoming Test Series

Following the conclusion of the ODI series, India and New Zealand will compete in a two-match Test series beginning November 19 at the Basin Reserve in Wellington. The second Test is scheduled to take place in Christchurch from November 27.

India have also made changes to their squad ahead of the series decider. Fast bowler Gurnoor Brar has been added to the Test squad following his impressive performances in the ongoing ODI series. He has picked up nine wickets in three matches and will join the Test preparations in Wellington, making him unavailable for the fifth ODI.

Meanwhile, left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav has been released from the Test squad to return to India and participate in domestic cricket. Wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has also received fitness clearance and joined the Indian squad in Wellington.

Earlier, Shubman Gill and KL Rahul left the ODI squad after the third match to prepare for the Test assignments. Gill will lead India in the upcoming series, with Rahul named his deputy.