IPL 2024: Matt Henry replaces David Willey for Lucknow

New Zealand pacer Matt Henry has joined the Lucknow Super Giants’ squad as a replacement for England’s David Willey in IPL 2024. Willey was initially supposed to miss the start of the tournament, however, he has opted out for the entirety of the league.

Known for his pace and accuracy, the pacer has come aboard at his base price of INR 1.5 crore. Henry, who has played 25 Tests, 82 ODIs, and 17 T20 Internationals for New Zealand, brings a wealth of experience to the table. Previously, he adorned the jerseys of Punjab Kings and Chennai Super Kings in the IPL. Despite limited appearances, his inclusion promises to bolster the LSG’s bowling attack.

“Matt Henry, the New Zealand fast bowler, has signed with the Lucknow Super Giants for the Tata Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. Henry comes in as a replacement for the England all-rounder, David Willey, who has withdrawn from the tournament due to personal reasons,” an IPL press release confirmed the development on March 30.

Henry has made significant contributions with 151 wickets in 131 matches in T20 cricket and his average of 24.70 and economy rate of 8.39 reflect his effectiveness in the format. Henry is a proven performer in the Test circuit as well, having bagged 95 wickets in 25 matches at a commendable average of 32.41 and an impressive strike rate of 62.5. In the One-Day Internationals (ODIs), he has claimed 141 wickets in 82 matches at an average of 26.39 and an economy rate of 5.22.

Meanwhile, LSG is currently at the bottom of the table after suffering a comprehensive defeat from the Rajasthan Royals in their opening match of the mega event, despite commendable efforts from Nicholas Pooran and KL Rahul. They are gearing up to take on the Punjab Kings in their next fixture on March 30 at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow. The Kings will be coming into the game after a four-wicket loss against Royal Challengers Bengaluru.