Somerset have strengthened their bowling attack by signing New Zealand seamer Matt Henry for the 2023 season. Henry will be available to play seven games in the County Championship and the entire T20 Blast.
Henry will join the squad after the conclusion of the ODI series in Pakistan and will begin his stint with a Championship fixture on May 11 against Lancashire. While he has played just 89 games across formats for New Zealand so far, Henry was instrumental in his country’s run to the World Cup final in 2019.
“I enjoy playing in English conditions and I’m looking forward to joining up with Somerset,” Henry said. “They are a Club that are held in high regard, and I’ve heard only good things about the setup there. I’m excited by the challenge, and I hope that I can make big contributions for Somerset both on and off the field.”
The 31-year-old has also enjoyed a fruitful spell with Kent in the County Championship previously and has also played for Derbyshire and Worcestershire. In total, he has picked up 388 wickets in first-class cricket at an excellent average of 24.02 and 102 wickets in the T20 format.
“To have someone of Matt’s calibre to compliment the attack that we have is beyond exciting,” Somerset Head Coach, Jason Kerr said. “We’ve got a nucleus of bowlers who are capable of ensuring that we take 20 wickets in red-ball cricket alongside a group of talented young bowlers who are incredibly aspirational and have already shown what they are capable of. Matt’s arrival will bring us even more potency.
“He is a world class performer who has demonstrated what he can do across all formats already within the English domestic game. He’s got good pace and can swing the ball. What he will provide off the field will be equally as important. He has experienced playing all over the world and will be able to share a vast amount of knowledge.”
