Matt Henry: ‘Brendon McCullum is great with people – he’ll do a good job’

It says plenty about the New Zealand way – a philosophy England are hoping to tap in Test cricket – that Matt Henry laughs at the suggestion a shirt is his come Thursday’s Test series opener at Lord’s.

In the last outing for the reigning Test world champions against South Africa in February Henry was named player of the series, with 14 wickets and figures of seven for 23 at Hagley Oval that matched the New Zealand home record held by Richard Hadlee; during last year’s 1-0 win in England, he was the executioner at Edgbaston.

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But though twice a 50-over World Cup finalist, this strong, versatile right-arm quick has found Test chances fleeting since his debut in 2015. Tim Southee and Trent Boult have dominated the new ball for a decade, Neil Wagner has been a unique left-arm battering ram at first change, while the hulking Kyle Jamieson has recently emerged.

“Ha-ha, no,” says Henry, when asked if he is surely now an incumbent (and not least with Boult and Southee late arrivals from India). “It’s not something I worry about too much. The key for our group is worrying about what you can do to contribute. It’s great to have personal success but it’s how you get the win for New Zealand.

“We’ve been lucky to have the competition for spots. Guys come in, understand their role and know what is required. Mine has changed over the years and it’s about how you fit in to try and take 20 wickets for the team. It’s knowing there is a bigger job and that’s something this group has prided itself on: coming in to do a job.”

This team-first mentality chimes with the clarion call from Ben Stokes, Henry’s fellow son of Christchurch, on taking