Follow UsNew Zealand fast bowler Matt Henry, who finished with figures of 7 for 23 on Day One of the first Test against South Africa in Christchurch says that he does not think about "external things" referring to the fact that he does not get as many opportunities in the side. Henry's figures are the joint-best figures on home soil, equalling Richard Hadlee's feat.
With Trent Boult, Tim Southee, Kyle Jamieson and Neil Wagner ahead of him in the pecking order, Henry has played just 15 Tests since making his debut in 2015.
"It's not always easy at times, but you try not to focus too much on those external things you can't control and making sure I'm still in that mindset of just trying to keep getting better and using experiences where I am playing cricket that when I do get my opportunity to take it I suppose," Henry said at the end of day's play.
"That's led me to where I am at the moment - where I can keep coming in and stay positive and not get too caught up in those external things and those noises."
Henry also recorded the third-best figures by a New Zealand bowler in Tests, behind Ajaz Patel's 10-fer against india earlier this month and Hadlee's 9 for 52.
"You've got to kind of pinch yourself a little bit when you hear those stats and to be able to share that with Sir Richard Hadlee is pretty special," Henry said.
Although he had picked up just one wicket in Christchurch - his home ground - before this Test, Henry revealed that playing a lot of domestic games at the venue helped. "I think just playing here at Hagley and having that experience and knowing what my lengths were and how to operate," he explained.
"As a bowling group I think we bowled really well together and we were able to create pressure at both ends and not really let them go anywhere, which is probably key to how we got the wickets."
After bowling South Africa for 95, New Zealand have taken a 21-run lead and will resume Day Two at 116 for 3.