ICC Cricket World Cup 2015: Matt Henry replaces injured Adam Milne ahead of South Africa semi-final

Matt Henry comes into the New Zealand squad as a replacement for Adam Milne

Ahead of their semi-final clash against South Africa at Eden Park in Auckland on Tuesday, New Zealand have named fast bowler Matt Henry as a replacement for Adam Milne, who was ruled out of the 2015 World Cup after suffering pain in his left heel. The International Cricket Council (ICC) has approved the replacement, and Henry will be available for selection for the remaining two matches, provided the Black Caps make it to the final.

Providing more clarity on the injury, Black Caps head coach Mike Hesson said that although Milne was able to walk without any discomfort, the pain became almost unbearable when bowling.

"He's fine walking in a straight line but unfortunately when he bowls it's become increasingly uncomfortable to a point where he's unable to carry on.

"It's to a point now where he wasn't able to bowl so he's unable to bowl and he's in a lot of pain when he bowls," Hesson told reporters.

When asked to provide a hint on who the likely replacement for Milne would be as far as the playing XI is concerned, Hesson remained non-committal.

"Once we get to the ground tomorrow we'll look at whoever is available in the squad and we'll look at the wicket again and we'll pick what we deem to be the best squad tomorrow.

"It's certainly something that's in his advantage but we've got plenty of options,” he said.

Henry has played 8 ODIs for his country since making his debut against India in Wellington in January 2014 and has taken 21 wickets at an average of 15.42, with best figures of 5 for 30 in 10 overs which came against Pakistan in Abu Dhabi at the end of last year.

While Hesson wasn’t willing to divulge too much information, it won’t be a huge surprise if Mitchell McClenaghan is opted for as the 3^rd seamer for the all-important encounter tomorrow, considering that he played one game earlier in the tournament, against Bangladesh, when Milne was hampered by injury.