New Zealand add cover to World Cup squad following huge double blow

Mumbai: Kyle Jamieson has been called into New Zealand’s squad as cover with concerns over the fitness of pace duo Matt Henry and Lockie Ferguson at the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023.New Zealand have received a double blow to their hopes of turning around their form and securing a spot in the semi-finals with pacers Matt Henry and Lockie Ferguson both sidelined due to injury.

Henry is waiting for the results of a scan on his right hamstring hurt in the crushing loss to South Africa, while Ferguson was not available for that match due to an Achilles injury sustained against Australia.

Jamieson will now join up with the New Zealand squad in Bengaluru on Thursday ahead of a crunch clash against Pakistan on Saturday, an ICC report on Thursday said.

The 28-year-old was previously with the squad as cover for Tim Southee earlier in the tournament.New Zealand coach Gary Stead said there was no option but to bring in cover for the injured pair.“The severity of Matt’s injury, combined with a short turnaround to Pakistan, meant we couldn’t risk being a bowler down for Saturday,” Stead said.

“Matt’s been a world class performer for us in ODI cricket for the past two World Cup cycles so we’ve got our fingers crossed for the scan results later today,” he said.Stead said Jamieson was well prepared to return to India and will come into consideration for immediate inclusion in the New Zealand XI against Pakistan and should the Kiwis gain approval from the Event Technical Committee to include him as a replacement player.

“Kyle’s on his way over as we speak and we look forward to welcoming him back into the group," Stead said.“He’ll likely train with us on Friday with a mind to being available for Saturday’s game," he said.

“Kyle was able to train for two full weeks with us earlier in the tournament and has since played a Plunket Shield match - so we’re confident he’ll be able to hit the ground running,” Stead added.

New Zealand made a fast start with four victories in their opening four matches at the Cricket World Cup but have since slumped to three consecutive defeats.The Black Caps’ hopes of qualifying for the semi-finals are now on a knife’s edge as the clash with Pakistan now looms as a key to their progress.

New Zealand also have one more match to play against Sri Lanka on November 9 but will want to clinch a fifth win of the tournament sooner rather than later to make it less likely they will need to rely on other results going their way.(UNI)<>