CHENNAI: After a fruitful World Cup where he got to play the final, New Zealand pacer Matt Henry is eager to perform for Chennai Super Kings. The World Cup experience, he avers, will come in handy.
“Last year I enjoyed being in the squad, unfortunately I couldn’t play. It’s not easy to find a spot in CSK’s playing XI with the kind of depth we have. If I get a chance, I will make full use,’’ said Henry after a strenuous practice session at Chepauk.
Henry cannot conceal the joy of playing in the World Cup semifinal and final, thanks to an injury to Adam Milne.
“It was so exciting, from playing a four-day match to be drafted into the semifinal at Eden Park. It was incredible. The brand of cricket we played was amazing. It was disappointing not winning the Cup. But getting there was still proud moment,’’ said Henry.
Right from Shane Watson to Brendon McCullum, IPL has been a platform for aggressive cricketers. “Playing in IPL is a learning curve for me. Rubbing shoulders with world-class players helps you improve. It’s a great environment to learn. “I have seen great batting conditions here, so it’s always a challenge as a bowler. You always look to innovate as a bowler, espedially with traditional yorkers and when to use them’’ said Henry.
Henry is pleased to play alongside McCullum and believes that the Kiwi skipper has helped him improve his game.
“It’s good to have him in the same dressing room. He is an incredible leader and a great person. He is a world-class player and led the team admirably in the Cup. He had a lot of confidence in me. He just asked me to go out, enjoy and express myself,’’ he recollected.
He was incredibly proud of his team’s performance. We couldn’t get one step further. Unfortunately it wasn’t our day,’’ he added.
The World Cup has helped him get a spot in the Test squad to England.
“Obliviously, I am excited to be in the Test squad. I am one step closer to being a complete cricketer in all formats,’’ a smiling Henry signed off.