Matt Henry makes history, becoming the first bowler since Shane Warne…

Matt Henry of New Zealand (Getty Images) Matt Henry’s remarkable performance at The Oval not only helped New Zealand level the Test series against England but also placed him alongside one of cricket’s greatest names in the venue’s history books.The New Zealand fast bowler became the first player since Shane Warne during the 2005 Ashes to take 10 or more wickets in a Test match at The Oval. He is also the first bowler to do so on the ground since Devon Malcolm’s memorable effort against South Africa in 1994.Henry produced a career-defining performance as New Zealand beat England by 253 runs to level the series and force a decider in Nottingham. His match figures of 11-109, comprising 5-80 in the first innings and 6-29 in the second, were the best ever recorded by a New Zealand bowler against England in Test cricket.The success was of particular significance given Henry’s difficult outing in the opening Test at Lord’s. Back spasms on the first morning severely limited the experienced sailor and left him feeling that he had not contributed as expected. Although he did manage to pick up a goal, he was far from his usual influential self.A ten-day break between Tests allowed the 34-year-old to fully recover and he returned to The Oval with devastating effect.England went into the final day hoping for a miracle chase, but Henry quickly extinguished those hopes. He caught Joe Root lbw for 77 and became the first bowler to dismiss both Root and Harry Brook twice in the same Test match.The right arm then tore through the lower order. Jofr Archer’s stumps were rattled by a delivery that stayed low, Matthew Fisher chopped onto his stumps for Henry’s 150th Test wicket and Josh Tongue was at first slip as the walker completed a sensational five-wicket haul in the innings.Henry’s spell on the final morning made the figures 5-3 in just 31 deliveries as England’s resistance crumbled in less than an hour.“We peaked at the replay,” New Zealand captain Tom Latham said. “Matt Henry is good at doing that. First innings and second he built pressure through dot balls and getting crucial wickets. He’s been a trailblazer for us for a long time, it’s nice for him to get results.”Since the start of 2024, Henry has become one of the most effective fast bowlers in world cricket. After spending much of his career in the shadow of Tim Southee and Trent Bouult, he flourished as New Zealand’s pace leader, taking 80 wickets in his last 14 Tests and picking up seven of his eight career five-wicket hauls during that period.Reflecting on his turn from Lord’s to The Oval, Henry admitted the first Test was frustrating.“It’s a bad feeling when you let the guys down on the first day,” he said. “It was great to come here and get my quota.Henry also credited wicketkeeper Tom Blundell for his role behind the stumps, particularly for standing up to the wicket and helping to keep England’s batsmen uncertain about their footwork.“Having a first class operator like Tom is huge,” Henry said. “He’s always got it. You can’t do that if you don’t have someone good behind the stumps. We know England like to create a flow of runs.”Temper was just as quick to praise New Zealand’s bowling unit as a whole.“It’s quite easy when you have a strong bowling group. Kyle (Jamieson) and Will (O’Rourke) are coming back from injury, their character is coming back the way they have. Nathan Smith is going from strength to strength. You’re only as good as the strength of the group.”For Henry, The Oval will now hold a special place in his career. More than two decades after Warne’s famous Ashes performance, the New Zealand seamer has etched his name into the country’s history with a spell that ranks among England’s best visiting bowlers.