New Zealand’s record in test match cricket against South Africa in recent times hasn’t been great, but playing at home earlier today and bowling first on a seamer-friendly pitch, the Kiwis pushed the visiting Proteas on the backfoot on the first day of the first test match at Hagley Oval as the Proteas were bundled out for just 95.
It was remarkable from New Zealand’s point of view because their main bowler Trent Boult was not even available as he was on paternity leave. But, Matt Henry, who was given the opportunity to share the new ball with Tim Southee in the absence of Boult, fit in seamlessly and generated an appreciable amount of movement off the deck.
The other New Zealand bowlers chipped in as well, but it was Henry who made the maximum impact with 7 wickets and made sure that the Kiwis were right on top and firmly on the driving seat of the test match as day 1 approached its end.
South Africa can still make a comeback in the test match
There is still a fair bit in the pitch for the fast bowlers and South Africa still has an opportunity to make a comeback with the ball, but after such a disappointing performance with the bat in the first innings, it would take a miraculous effort for them now to win the test match from here.
The South African fans were a bit shell-shocked by the team’s performance today because the expectations were quite high after the series against India. Despite being the underdogs at home against the no. 1 team in the world, the way South Africa had beaten India, the fans were hopeful that they would maintain the standard of performance in New Zealand as well, but so far, it hasn’t been the case.
Here is how twitter reacted after South Africa were bowled out for just 95 runs by New Zealand –
South Africa blown away by NZ yet again highlights the truth- no team travels well. In that regard India does stand out and had a golden opportunity in South Africa. 7 for Matt Henry.
— Boria Majumdar (@BoriaMajumdar) February 17, 2022
So NZ already has four firey guys in Southee, Boult, Wagner and Jamieson non of whom give any respite to the opposition and when one of them is unavailable, Matt Henry comes and takes 7 wickets?
This is not just deep bowling lineup era, this is high quality long benches era too!
— Ricky talks Cricket (@CricRicky) February 17, 2022
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Well done Matt Henry #SAvNZ
— Bhaskar Lakshman (@tlbhaskar) February 17, 2022
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Matt Henry not waiting until SA where 99-8 to take his 7th wicket and make them 99-9. Dickhead behaviour.
— TheRunOutBlog (@TheRunOutBlog1) February 17, 2022
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Well done Matt Henry 🔥 pic.twitter.com/OCzk5oE9H6
— ` (@FourOverthrows) February 17, 2022
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This is some real delicious bowling by the ever so impressive Matt Henry. 7-fer with one wicket to go in the innings #NZvSA
— Kane Army DSZ (@DeepTakkar3) February 17, 2022
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Matt Henry’s 7-23 today is the 3rd best figures by a Blackcap in Test cricket. One of the best bowling performances New Zealand has ever seen.
A Patel 10-119
R Hadlee 9-52
M Henry/ R Hadlee 7-23#NZvSA @BLACKCAPSAdvertisement— Jake O'Flaherty (@jakoboflaherty) February 17, 2022
Matt Henry had an average around 45 in Test Cricket 5 hours ago.
And now he took 7/23 (avg: 3.29) against South Africa 🤯🤯Advertisement— Fakhruu #Qalandars :^) 🏏 (@BajwaKehtaHaii) February 17, 2022
It's sad that Matt Henry played at a time New Zealand had three, sometimes four, quicks of the highest quality in Tests.
AdvertisementHis FC record is incredibly good: 335 wkts @ 24.7 with 43 four-plus wicket hauls!#NZvSA pic.twitter.com/wpj8z2KOJu
— Rohit Sankar (@imRohit_SN) February 17, 2022
Matt Henry’s 7/23 against South Africa today has been absolutely spectacular, but in reality he is caught amid the best pace attack in the world where he’s just an absentee. Ajaz Patel took a 10WI in India and we ignored him at home, Matt Henry might not even play the 2nd Test pic.twitter.com/MLT6kcYwR8
— Sritama Panda (Ross Taylor’s Version) (@cricketpun_duh) February 17, 2022
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