Somerset sign Matt Henry for 2023 County season

Somerset have signed the 31-year-old New Zealand pacer, Matt Henry for the 2023 season, where he will play in both the County Championship and the T20 Blast. Henry will be available for just seven red-ball fixtures but will feature in all the T20 Blast fixtures for the county. 

"I enjoy playing in English conditions and I'm looking forward to joining up with Somerset," Henry said. 

"They are a Club that are held in high regard, and I've heard only good things about the setup there. I'm excited by the challenge, and I hope that I can make big contributions for Somerset both on and off the field,” he added.

The New Zealand pacer will join the squad after the end of the ODI series against Pakistan, and will make his County debut for Somerset on May 11 against Lancashire. Henry has been one of the key fixtures in the Kiwi setup, having played 89 games, and was valuable in New Zealand’s run to the 2019 ODI World Cup final. 

"To have someone of Matt's calibre to compliment the attack that we have is beyond exciting," Somerset Head Coach, Jason Kerr said. 

"We've got a nucleus of bowlers who are capable of ensuring that we take 20 wickets in red-ball cricket alongside a group of talented young bowlers who are incredibly aspirational and have already shown what they are capable of. Matt's arrival will bring us even more potency.

Henry also has played 87 First Class fixtures, with 388 wickets, averaging just 24 with the ball. The right-arm speedster has also picked up 32 four-wicket hauls, and 18 five-wicket hauls in his red-ball career while managing three ten-wicket hauls. 

"He is a world class performer who has demonstrated what he can do across all formats already within the English domestic game. He's got good pace and can swing the ball. What he will provide off the field will be equally as important. He has experienced playing all over the world and will be able to share a vast amount of knowledge."