Is Matt Henry Stephen Donald in disguise?
Henry has received a late call up to the New Zealand squad ahead of tomorrow's World Cup semifinal against South Africa.
Adam Milne has been ruled out of the remainder of the tournament after suffering an injury to his left heel.
No decision
has been made on who will take his place in the starting XI.
Milne felt discomfort following the quarter-final against the West Indies and subsequently underwent an MRI scan on Sunday afternoon. The results showed significant swelling around his heel. A timeline for his return is expected to be weeks.
Henry has bowled regularly at first-class level since missing the New Zealand World Cup squad in January, taking 20 wickets at 28.55 in six matches for Canterbury.
If he is picked, his story brings to mind the story of Donald who was called into the All Blacks for a late final appearance at the 2011 Rugby World Cup when he kicked the winning penalty. There's no confirmation whether, like Donald, Henry has been on a recent whitebaiting excursion.
Henry played a full part in New Zealand training this morning, including an in-depth chat with captain Brendon McCullum.
It raises the possibility the 23-year-old could make a dramatic entry to the tournament on the back of a record which includes 21 ODI wickets at 15.42 and an economy rate of 4.93. He takes a wicket every 19 balls.
Mitchell McClenaghan appeared to play a more limited role in the session, removing his boots relatively early, while Kyle Mills continued to train.
The pair have similar records against South Africa.
McClenaghan has played five ODIs for a return of eight wickets at 27.37, economy rate of 4.86 and strike rate of 34; Mills has played 22 ODIs to average 28.12 while conceding 4.92 runs an over and also striking every 34 balls.
McCullum lamented Milne's exit but did not confirm whether Henry would play in what might amount to an ambush on the Proteas.
"He's been outstanding in the third seamer role throughout the tournament. He'll remain part of the squad as a good team man."
"We need to have a look at the wicket and overhead conditions tomorrow before making a selection. It was humid [v Australia] and we saw high quality swing. I'm no weather genius but it'll be less humid tomorrow, so possibly less swing."
Coach Mike Hesson was also disappointed at losing Milne as a point of difference.
"Adam gave us variety by bringing extra pace into the attack. He might not have the wickets at his end but he helped create them at the other.
"[The injury's] to a point now where he was unable to bowl. He was fine walking in a straight line, but when he bowled it became increasing uncomfortable.
"He's had issues with it for two weeks, it was pain-free come the quarter-finals but afterwards it flared up.
"We've made no decision [on a starting XI]. There are still protocols to go through with the ICC in terms of replacement players.
"Playing [first-class cricket recently] is to his advantage, but we've got plenty of options."
