Matt Henry has just made history in New Zealand cricket by becoming the first Kiwi fast bowler in 36 years to snag the No.1 spot in the ICC Test Bowling Rankings. At 34 years old, this talented seamer reached the pinnacle after delivering a match-winning performance against England at The Oval. Now, he shares the top ranking with India’s Jasprit Bumrah, with both bowlers boasting 870 rating points. This remarkable achievement ends a long wait that dates back to the days of Sir Richard Hadlee. In another significant shift in the rankings, England’s Joe Root has reclaimed the No.1 position among Test batters.
Henry’s rise in the rankings came on the back of his stellar showing in New Zealand’s second Test against England. The right-arm pacer took a remarkable 11 wickets in the match, with impressive figures of 5/80 and 6/29, leading New Zealand to a commanding 253-run victory. This win not only leveled the three-match series at 1-1 but also underscored Henry’s growing impact in the world of Test cricket.
Ben Stokes Returns as England Prepare for Series Decider For 3rd Test vs New Zealand
The spotlight is now on the third and final Test between England and New Zealand, kicking off on June 25 at Trent Bridge. England has made four changes to their lineup, bringing back captain Ben Stokes, along with Gus Atkinson, Jamie Smith, and Shoaib Bashir. Stokes is back after sitting out the second Test, and his presence is expected to boost both the batting and bowling sides of the game. Atkinson’s return will add some firepower to the pace attack, while Smith will take over the wicketkeeping duties once again.
These adjustments come on the heels of England’s heavy loss at The Oval, where Joe Root led a relatively inexperienced team in Stokes’ absence. The team has faced a tough time lately, suffering six defeats in their last seven Tests at The Oval.
Head coach Brendon McCullum acknowledged how crucial the upcoming match is and highlighted the team’s eagerness to turn things around as he said, “We’re desperate to win, but at the time what will be will be. How can we hold our nerves during those moments and have absolute clarity to make the right decisions to give ourselves the best chance? If we do that, then we are a good chance of getting the prize that we want.”
With the series tied at 1-1, the Test at Trent Bridge will ultimately determine the winner. Henry heads into this match riding high after a standout performance, with a chance to surpass Bumrah and claim the title of the world’s No.1 Test bowler.
