NZ vs IND: Wagner ruled out of first Test, Henry called in as replacement

Henry last featured in the New Year's Test against Australia in Sydney in which he ended up picking just two wickets.

Wellington: New Zealand have called up right-arm pacer Matt Henry as replacement for Neil Wagner ahead of the first Test against India which begins Friday at the Basin Reserve. Wagner, who is a key part of the New Zealand bowling lineup, is awaiting the birth of his first child and will miss the opening Test.

"Neil Wagner will not be joining the squad in Wellington ahead of the first Test as he and his wife Lana await the birth of their first child. Wagner will remain in Tauranga until the birth. Matt Henry joins the squad tonight as cover," said New Zealand Cricket in a statement on their official Twitter handle.

Henry, who has played 12 Tests so far, wasn't initially picked in the 13-man squad as the selectors went with uncapped pacer Kyle Jamieson. In the absence of Wagner, the hosts are expected to hand Jamieson a debut instead of drafting Henry straight into the playing XI.

Henry last featured in the New Year's Test against Australia in Sydney in which he ended up picking just two wickets.

Matt Henry stats

The 28-year-old had played an instrumental role in New Zealand's World Cup semi-final win over India last year. He had returned with figures of 3/37 and helped his side secure an 18-run victory over the Men in Blue at the Old Trafford.

Meanwhile, Team India recieved a huge boost on Saturday as their star fast bowler Ishant Sharma was declared fit before the first Test which will be played at Wellington.

Sharma, had twisted his right ankle while playing for Delhi in a Ranji Trophy match against Vidarbha at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, cleared his fitness test at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru and joined the sqaud on Sunday.

File image of Ishant Sharma

The opening Test between India and New Zealand will start on February 21 and the Kiwis will go into the two-match series on a back of a 3-0 win in ODIs following a 5-0 thrashing in the T20Is.