Matt Henry to play for Kent in the upcoming County Championship

New Zealand fast bowler Matt Henry has signed a contract with Kent for the first half of their English county cricket season in 2018. As for his availability, the 26-year-old will play in Kent’s first seven red-ball fixtures in the County Championship and be their foreign player in England’s domestic ODIs – the One Day Cup.

Before joining Kent’s campaign, which begins on April 13, Matt Henry will be with the New Zealand team for their series against England beginning on March 22. He has played with Worcestershire and Derbyshire in the last two years. He has also played two seasons in the Indian Premier League for the Chennai Super Kings.

Good success in ODIs

Henry has claimed 167 first-class wickets in 46 matches and 25 wickets in nine Tests for the Kiwis since making his debut against England at Lord’s in 2015. He has 67 wickets in 35 ODIs and his dismissal of David Warner and Michael Clarke in the 2015 World Cup final is fondly remembered.

The bowler said he is looking forward to playing for Kent as he has heard good things about the club from his fellow national teammates who previously have represented it.

“I’m looking forward to joining Kent for the new county season. I’ve heard lots of good things about the club from the other New Zealand players who have played at Kent and can’t wait to get started,” he was quoted as saying on kentcricket.co.uk.

Director of cricket Paul Downton told kentcricket.so.uk: “Matt is an excellent bowler who will add international experience as well as pace and penetration to our attack in the opening months of the season.

“I am delighted Matt has agreed to join us and look forward to welcoming him to the club.”

All in all, he has played for New Zealand, Canterbury, Canterbury Under-17s, Canterbury Under-19s, Chennai Super Kings, Derbyshire, Kings XI Punjab, New Zealand A