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Sport Nation
Tickner retained, Henry returns for West Indies ODI series
Sport Nation • November 7th, 2025 8:00 am
Blair Tickner | Photo: Kerry Marshall/Photosport
Matt Henry is set to return to the Blackcaps for November's three-match ODI series against the West Indies after an injury layoff to recover from a calf strain.
The setback saw New Zealand's top strike bowler miss the final two ODIs against England, and wasn't included in the T20 squad to undergo a pre-planned conditioning and rehab stint in preparation for the upcoming three-match Test series, along with the three ODI matches.
Blackcaps head coach Rob Walter welcomes the return of Henry, who took 2/53 in the first ODI against England.
“Matt is a vital member of this group and the senior leader of our pace attack, so it’ll be great to have him back around the group for the ODIs and Tests,” Walter said.
“He will be fresh and fit after a good rest, and we know he’ll be raring to go ahead of a big five weeks with the white and red ball."
Central Stags bowler Blair Ticker, who came into the NZ side after Kyle Jamieson was ruled out for the second and third ODIs against England, has been retained in Walter's squad after his strong performances of 4/34 in Hamilton and 4/64 in Wellington saw him named Player of the Match.
Blair Tickner post-match interview: Blackcaps' 2nd ODI vs England | Cricket Nation
It's a call-up that Walter felt Tickner thoroughly deserved following those performances with the ball at Seddon Park and Sky Stadium.
“He brought plenty of energy and his pace and bounce proved to be a big test for some of the best batters in the world," Walter stated.
“It was pleasing to see him come in at short notice and perform at that level and that’s a testament to the hard work he’s been putting in away from the group.
“It’s awesome to be able to keep rewarding guys who work hard and perform when they get the opportunity, and we know he’ll be a big asset for us in another important series."
The pace attack is rounded out by Jamieson, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes and Nathan Smith. While captain Mitchell Santner, Michael Bracewell and Rachin Ravindra will provide spin options.
NZ Cricket have confirmed that Kane Williamson was not considered for selection so he can focus on preparations for December's Test series against the touring West Indies side.
The ODI series between the Blackcaps and West Indies begins November 16 at Christchurch's Hagley Oval, followed by November 19 at Napier's McLean Park, and November 22 at Hamilton's Seddon Park. All matches will be day-nighters with first ball scheduled for 2pm.
Tune into Sport Nation for live ball-by-ball commentary throughout the ODI series on the Sport Nation app and all NZ frequencies.
Blackcaps ODI squad to play West Indies
Mitchell Santner (C), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Tom Latham (WK), Daryl Mitchell, Rachin Ravindra, Nathan Smith, Blair Tickner, Will Young.
Unavailable due to injury: Mohammad Abbas (ribs), Finn Allen (foot), Lockie Ferguson (hamstring), Adam Milne (ankle), Will O’Rourke (back), Glenn Phillips (groin), and Ben Sears (hamstring).
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