Matt Henry rewrites history as first bowler since Shane Warne… | Cricket News
Matt HenryA stellar performance at The Oval not only helped New Zealand level the series against England but also put him alongside one of the greatest names in cricket history.The New Zealand fast bowler became the first player since Shane Warne Taking 10 or more wickets in a Test match at The Oval during the 2005 Ashes. He is also the first bowler to achieve this feat on the ground since Devon Malcolm’s memorable performance against South Africa in 1994.Henry delivered a career-defining performance as New Zealand beat England by 253 runs to force the series into a decider in Nottingham. His match record of 11-109, including 5-80 in the first innings and 6-29 in the second, was the best record by a New Zealand bowler against England in Test cricket.The achievement takes on extra significance considering Henry’s struggling performance in the first Test at Lord’s. Back spasms on the first morning severely limited the veteran stitcher’s work, leaving him feeling like he wasn’t achieving the desired results. Although he managed to pick up a wicket, he was far from his usual impactful self.There was a 10-day break between the two Tests to allow the 34-year-old to fully recover and his return at The Oval was devastating.England went on to play on the final day hoping for a miracle, but Henry quickly extinguished those hopes. he is trapped Joe Root LBW scored 77 runs and became the first bowler to dismiss Root and Harry Brooke twice in the same Test match.Then the right arm tore through the lower order. Jofra ArcherThe stumps were shaken by a delivery that stayed low, Matthew Fisher cut to his stumps to take Henry’s 150th Test wicket, and Josh Tongue got his first slip after completing a sensational five-wicket haul in the match.Henry’s performance on the final morning required just 31 passes to make it 5-3, with England’s resistance collapsing in less than an hour.‘We’re on top again,’ New Zealand captain Tom Latham explain. “Matt Henry is great at taking aim. In the first and second innings, he applied pressure through penalties and got crucial wickets. He has been a spearhead for us for a long time and it’s great to have him achieve this.”Since the start of 2024, Henry has become one of the most efficient fast bowlers in world cricket. After spending most of his career in the shadow of Tim Southee and Trent Boult, he has flourished as New Zealand’s pace leader, taking 80 wickets in his last 14 Tests and collecting seven of his eight career five-wickets during that time.Looking back on his transition from Lord’s to The Oval, Henry admits the first Test was frustrating.“It feels bad when you let people down on your first day,” he said. “It’s great to be here and get my quota.”Henry also gave credit to the goalkeeper Tom Blundell Kudos to his role behind the stumps, especially in front of the wickets, and helping England batsmen unsure of their footwork.“Having a world-class operator like Tom is huge,” Henry said. “He always gives it his all. You can’t do that unless you have a good man behind him. We know England love to create a run of runs.”The pacer was equally quick to praise the overall performance of the New Zealand bowling team.“It’s easy when you have a strong bowling team. Kyle (Jamison) and Will (O’Rourke) come back from injury and their character will come back to where they were. Nathan Smith is going from strength to strength. You’re only as good as the strength of the team.”For Henry, the Oval will now hold a special place in his career. More than two decades after Warne’s famous Ashes performance, the New Zealand seamer etched his name in the history of the stadium with his spell that ranks among the best by England’s away bowlers.
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