Black Caps ready to atone, says Henry
Matt Henry insists the Black Caps are determined to make amends for their wretched string of results in India.
The second ODI of the fivematch series begins tonight in Delhi, with the Black Caps already trailing 1-0 after a comprehensive six-wicket defeat in Dharamsala.
Henry was rested for the first ODI after his exertions in the test series whitewash, but he’s expected to return to the fray.
The 24-year-old fast bowler said the Black Caps are desperate to turn their fortunes around after they were dominated in all three tests, losing 3-0, before their batsman failed again in the first ODI.
Virat Kohli scored an unbeaten 85 as India chased down New Zealand’s meagre first innings total of 190 with ease, with Tom Latham (79*) and No 10 Tim Southee (55) the only Black Caps to score higher than 15, as they recovered from a horror top order collapse that left them 65-7 in the 19th over.
Henry said they were doing ‘the right things’ in training, but failing to translate that out in the middle.
‘‘After the test series, we really wanted to make a statement,’’ said Henry. ’’Unfortunately, it wasn’t to be. The guys are still up for it and working hard and keen to move on to the next one.
‘‘Everyone’s determined to make amends and there are areas to we can adjustments in. We’ll be good and ready to go.’’
Henry played in the final two of the three tests against India, and bowled 82 overs for his six wickets, which came at a cost of 254 runs at an economy of 3.09 runs.
New Zealand’s pace attack was boosted by the return of Southee for the first ODI, who smashed a career high 55 from 45 balls as the Black Caps desperately pushed towards 200.
An ankle injury sidelined him for the test series, and he showed the top order batsmen up with his swashbuckling knock, which was the first 50 of his career.
He said watching the Black Caps crumble with the bat has been frustrating for all concerned, including the bowlers.
‘‘I formed a bit of a partnership with Tom, who batted extremely well, and all us tailenders work hard on our batting,’’ said Southee.
‘‘It’s something that’s not only frustrated me, but it’s frustrated other people as well. It’s nice to contribute and hopefully there’s a few more contributions down the line.’’