New Zealand fast bowler Matt Henry has broken his thumb while training with his domestic side Canterbury in the Plunket Shield. Henry was hit on his right thumb while batting in the nets, and the injury has put him in doubt for New Zealand's upcoming home season.
"Matt was unfortunately struck on the tip of the right thumb while batting in the nets," Canterbury physio Tim Dovbysh said. "Matt got an X-ray [done] immediately after training which confirmed the fracture."
Dovbysh said Henry would require about four to six weeks to be fully fit, meaning he is likely to miss the first game of the home series against West Indies - the T20I at Eden Park on November 27. New Zealand are currently scheduled to play West Indies in three T20Is and two Tests, before hosting Pakistan for the same number of matches in December.
This January, Henry had also injured his left thumb during the opening day of the Sydney Test against Australia.
Henry has added to New Zealand's injury concerns ahead of the home season, with their captain Kane Williamson also currently recovering from an adductor injury he picked up in the IPL.
Williamson last played for his side the Sunrisers Hyderabad on October 13, having missed three games since, something which former New Zealand fast bowler Danny Morrison has put down to the excessive cricket played these days. Speaking to Newstalk ZB, Morrison said, "I just wonder whether, in terms of the amount of cricket these guys play these days, toing and froing in all the different genres of it... I'm not surprised it's taking its toll."
"Kane… plays all formats. So, when I look at that, something's got to give. At the moment, I think he's still very sore and very tight."