(Image source: X.com)
[Saba Sports News] Star New Zealand opener Devon Conway has been ruled out of the first Test match against Australia, scheduled to be played from February 29 in Wellington.
Conway sustained the thumb injury on his left hand behind the stumps during the second over of the second T20I against Australia last Friday in Auckland. Finn Allen then had to wear the wicket-keeping gloves for the rest of the match.
Initial scans of his thumb did not reflect the true picture, but subsequently the full extent of the damage was confirmed, leading him to miss the third T20I as well as the first Test of the series.
In his place, experienced Kiwi batter Henry Nicholls has been drafted into the squad for the opening match of the series. Nicholls boasts a wealth of experience, having featured in 56 Test matches, amassing 2,973 runs at an average of 37.16, inclusive of 12 fifties and nine centuries. Nicholls’ last Test appearance dates back to December last year against Bangladesh.
New Zealand head coach Gary Stead expressed disappointment at Conway being ruled out of the first Test, emphasizing its immense significance for New Zealand cricket, especially as they currently lead the World Test Championship (WTC) points table.
“It’s disappointing for Devon to be ruled out on the eve of an important match. 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,” said Stead as quoted on the eve of the first Test.
Furthermore, Gary also highlighted the advantage of having Nicholls as cover for Conway, given his ample experience in the red-ball format.
“But it’s nice to have a player of Henry’s calibre to call on. He has plenty of Test experience and covers a number of positions in our batting order,” he added.