LSG announce Kiwi pacer as David Willey’s replacement

Ahead of their IPL 2024 fixture against Punjab Kings, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) have signed New Zealand pacer Matt Henry as a replacement for England all-rounder David Willey, who withdrew from the tournament due to personal reasons. Henry, purchased by LSG for his base price of ₹1.25 crores, has limited IPL experience, having played two matches for Punjab Kings in 2017 and being part of Chennai Super Kings in the past.

In international cricket, Henry has represented New Zealand in 17 T20Is, taking 20 wickets, 82 ODIs with 141 dismissals, and 25 Tests with 95 wickets. LSG, currently winless this season, hope Henry’s arrival will strengthen their bowling unit. They began their campaign with a defeat against Rajasthan Royals and face Punjab Kings in their second fixture.

Willey, who retired from international cricket after the ODI World Cup last year, missed LSG’s opener and is the second English player to leave LSG this season, after Mark Wood. Wood withdrew due to ECB’s workload management ahead of the T20 World Cup.

In their opening match against Rajasthan Royals, LSG fell short of the 194-run target despite half-centuries from Nicholas Pooran (64*) and KL Rahul (58). Trent Boult starred with the ball for RR, taking two wickets.

LSG’s decision to bring in Henry aims to add impetus and firepower to their bowling attack, which will be crucial as they seek their first win of the season against Punjab Kings.

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