Cricket World Cup: Black Caps' surprise selection - Matt Henry to play

New Zealand are poised to make a surprise selection and draft Canterbury seamer Matt Henry straight into the playing XI for tomorrow's semifinal.

A heel injury to the Black Caps quickest bowler, Adam Milne, saw Henry called in as cover and it is understood that that fact he has been playing Plunket Shield in recent weeks has given him an edge over the other two reserve seamers in the squad, Kyle Mills and Mitchell McClenaghan.

Mills, along with offspinning allrounder Nathan McCullum, has played no part in the tournament. McClenaghan replaced an injured Milne for the pool A match against Bangladesh, but his wicketless eight overs cost 68 and he looked short of a gallop.

Milne felt discomfort following the quarter-final against the West Indies and subsequently underwent an MRI scan on Sunday afternoon. The results showed significant swelling around his heel. A timeline for his return is expected to be weeks.

Henry has bowled regularly at first-class level since missing the New Zealand World Cup squad in January, taking 20 wickets at 28.55 in six matches for Canterbury.

Henry played a full part in New Zealand training this morning, including an in-depth chat with captain Brendon McCullum.

The 23-year-old could has 21 ODI wickets at 15.42 and an economy rate of 4.93.
McCullum lamented Milne's exit.

"He's been outstanding in the third seamer role throughout the tournament. He'll remain part of the squad as a good team man."

Coach Mike Hesson was also disappointed at losing Milne as a point of difference.

"Adam gave us variety by bringing extra pace into the attack. He might not have the wickets at his end but he helped create them at the other.

"[The injury's] to a point now where he was unable to bowl. He was fine walking in a straight line, but when he bowled it became increasing uncomfortable.

"He's had issues with it for two weeks, it was pain-free come the quarter-finals but afterwards it flared up."