Follow UsIn what comes as a significant blow for New Zealand a day ahead of the two-Test series against Australia, opening batter Devon Conway has been ruled out of the first Test in Wellington, starting Thursday (February 29).
Conway was a part of the T20I series but injured his thumb while keeping wickets in the second T20I at Eden Park. Conway, post the blow, did not bat in the game, and also did not subsequently feature in the third T20I.
Further scans have revealed damage to Conway’s left thumb, due to which he’s been ruled out of the first Test at the Basin Reserve.
“It’s disappointing for Devon to be ruled out on the eve of an important match,” New Zealand Head coach Gary Stead said.
“He’s a class player batting at the top of the order for us and I know he was really looking forward to this series.”
The Kiwis have opted to rope in middle-order batter Henry Nicholls as Conway’s replacement.
Nicholls did not play the South Africa series and was initially left out of the squad for the two-Test series against Australia, but good form in the Ford Trophy (50-over competition) has seen the Blackcaps draft the experienced 32-year-old into the squad.
“It’s nice to have a player of Henry’s calibre to call on,” Stead said.
“He has plenty of Test experience and covers a number of positions in our batting order.”
Meanwhile, Australia have announced their starting XI for the first Test. They are unchanged from the defeat against the Windies at the Gabba. The development means that Steve Smith will indeed be opening the batting — for the first time away from home in Test cricket.