IPL 2024: Kiwi Pacer Matt Henry Replaces David Willey in LSG Squad

IPL 2024: The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) squad for the ongoing IPL 2024 season saw a late change on Saturday. New Zealand fast bowler Matt Henry was brought in as a replacement for England all-rounder David Willey.

Willey, who was signed by LSG at his base price of ₹2 crore in the December 2023 auction, had to withdraw from the tournament due to personal reasons. This came as a blow to LSG, especially considering they had already lost another English player, Mark Wood, earlier in March.

Wood was pulled out by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) for workload management purposes ahead of the T20 World Cup. West Indies fast bowler Shamar Joseph was brought in as his replacement.

Who is Matt Henry?

Matt Henry, a proven force in international cricket. The 32-year-old pacer brings a wealth of experience, having played 25 Tests and 82 ODIs for New Zealand. For the T20 format, which is the focus of the IPL, Henry boasts a decent record with 22 wickets in 17 matches at an economy rate of 8.38.

While his T20 appearances might be limited compared to his exploits in other formats, his ability to swing the new ball and generate early breakthroughs could be invaluable for LSG.

David Willey, on the other hand, has a more extensive T20 resume. He has featured in 31 T20 Internationals for England, claiming 24 wickets at an economy rate of 8.87. While Willey also offers valuable all-rounder capabilities with his batting skills, his unavailability due to personal reasons necessitated a change.

LSG’s bowling attack will get strong:

With Henry joining the squad, LSG gains a bowler known for his express pace and aggressive approach. This could be a significant boost, especially considering the absence of both Willey and Wood.

While Henry’s IPL experience is limited to just two appearances for the Punjab Kings in 2017, his international pedigree and ability to adapt to different conditions make him a valuable addition to the LSG squad.

The success of this late shuffle in the LSG squad will depend on how quickly Henry integrates into the team setup and utilizes his skills. His experience, both in international cricket and the IPL, could prove crucial for LSG’s campaign, especially with the absence of senior bowlers like Trent Boult and Lockie Ferguson. All eyes will be on Matt Henry to see if he can fill the void left by David Willey and contribute to Lucknow’s quest for glory in IPL 2024.