Eperienced New Zealand pace bowler Matt Henry has been ruled out of the three-match One-day International series against the West Indies due to a rib injury, dealing a huge blow to the tourists who are currently involved in a T20I series in the Caribbean.
Henry, a veteran of 60 ODIs, experienced pain in his left side during training last week and the affected area failed to improve following treatment, according to ICC.
The 30-year-old pacer will now fly back to New Zealand in the hope that he recovers in time for the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy ODI series against Australia in September.
Henry's departure will see inexperienced quick Ben Sears board the flight to the Caribbean as replacement, with the 24-year-old in line for his international ODI debut during the three-match series that commences this week.
While New Zealand coach Gary Stead was disappointed to lose Henry, he is excited about the possibility of seeing Sears earn a first ODI cap for his country.
"It's a shame for Matt to have to return home at this point of the tour," Stead was quoted as saying.
"Although the injury is not overly serious -- we felt there was a significant risk it would become worse through playing.