Matt Henry - players.bio

New Zealand vs South Africa: Matt Henry savours 'surreal' seven-wicket haul in NZ great Richard Hadlee's presence

New Zealand's Matt Henry made a memorable return to Test cricket in the opening match against South Africa and the 30-year-old said it was "surreal" to match a benchmark set by Richard Hadlee, who cheered him on at the Hagley Oval on Thursday. Henry's seven for 23 blew away South Africa who were bundled out for 95, their lowest against New Zealand, and put the home side in the box seat. It was a stunning display of pace bowling by Henry, playing his first Test in eight months only because Trent Boult is away on paternity leave. Only Ajaz Patel (10-119) and Hadlee (9-52) have returned better Test figures by a New Zealander. Hadlee, who was present at the ground to cheer Henry, had also claimed 7-23 against India in 1976.

Quarantine not to blame for slow starts to Test series, says Proteas' Duanne Olivier

Cape Town - The Proteas' notorious slow starts to Test series could prove to be their Achilles Heel in New Zealand after another chastening opening day in Christchurch on Thursday.

Henry savours 'surreal' seven-wicket haul in NZ great Hadlee's presence

WELLINGTON : New Zealand's Matt Henry made a memorable return to test cricket in the opening match against South Africa and the 30-year-old said it was "surreal" to match a benchmark set by Richard Hadlee, who cheered him on at the Hagley Oval on Thursday.

NZ vs SA 1st Test: New Zealand ahead after Matt Henry's seven-wicket haul destroys South Africa

Christchurch on Thursday after Matt Henry spearheaded the attack with a career-best seven for 23. Henry's bounce and movement saw South Africa fold for 95 before tea, and at stumps New Zealand had benefitted from the wicket browning off in the late afternoon and were 116 for three. Henry Nicholls was not out on 37 with nightwatchman Neil Wagner, dropped in the final over, on two. Crucial to New Zealand's performance was Tom Latham winning the toss -- for the first time in the nine Tests he has been captain -- and putting South Africa in to bat.

New Zealand In Command After Matt Henry's Seven Destroys South Africa

New Zealand dominated South Africa to hold a 21-run lead on day one of the first Test in Christchurch on Thursday after Matt Henry spearheaded the attack with a career-best seven for 23. Henry's bounce and movement saw South Africa fold for 95 before tea, and at stumps New Zealand had benefitted from the wicket browning off in the late afternoon and were 116 for three.

Brittle Proteas set host of unwanted records on forgettable day

It took just 49.2 overs for much of the optimism about the Proteas' improved form in Test cricket - particularly after the momentous series win over India - to evaporate again following a miserable opening day of the the first Test against New Zealand in Christchurch on Thursday.

Proteas disastrous day with the bat puts New Zealand in control of first Test

Day 1 of 5

Proteas batting crumbles, dropped catches complete woeful day in 1st NZ Test

They lost the toss and were asked to bat first on a wicket that always had something in it for the seamers, but few would have expected the calamity that followed for the Proteas in the first Test against New Zealand in Christchurch on Thursday.

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Matt Henry Sport News

New Zealand vs South Africa: Matt Henry savours 'surreal' seven-wicket haul in NZ great Richard Hadlee's presence

Quarantine not to blame for slow starts to Test series, says Proteas' Duanne Olivier

Henry savours 'surreal' seven-wicket haul in NZ great Hadlee's presence

NZ vs SA 1st Test: New Zealand ahead after Matt Henry's seven-wicket haul destroys South Africa

New Zealand In Command After Matt Henry's Seven Destroys South Africa

Brittle Proteas set host of unwanted records on forgettable day

Proteas disastrous day with the bat puts New Zealand in control of first Test

Proteas batting crumbles, dropped catches complete woeful day in 1st NZ Test