Devon Conway is expected to have surgery for a thumb injury; CSK’s chances of playing in the IPL are slim.
Conway will also not play in the second Test at home against Australia. Australia won by 172 runs in Wellington to take a 1-0 lead in the two-match series. The second test is scheduled to begin in Christchurch on March 8.
With 672 runs in 16 matches at an average of 51.69 and a strike rate of over 139, the left-hander played a key role in CSK’s fifth title victory last year. He achieved six half-centuries, his highest being 92*.
As cited by the ICC, New Zealand coach Gary Stead said of the southpaw, “We are all feeling for Devon.”
We will miss his presence both on and off the field because he is an integral member of the Black Caps. We will be there to assist him as he starts his recuperation, and we wish him the best of luck with his operation,” he continued.
In the second and final Test against Australia, New Zealand has chosen uncapped pacer Ben Sears over batsman Henry Nicholls, with Conway out of the lineup. The Kiwis have resisted the temptation to give recently retired Neil Wagner a shock comeback.
Although Sears hasn’t played in a Test match for New Zealand yet, head coach Stead is confident the 26-year-old can step up and cover the gap if the right-armer is selected.
“Ben is a young bowler with a quality skill set,” Stead commented.
“He bowls with actual pace and good bounce, which is a major advantage in red ball cricket. His summer white ball cricket performances for the Black Caps have really impressed us, and if needed, we think he can move up to the Test arena.”
“Will’s exclusion is disheartening, particularly considering how well his international career has begun. At 22 years old, we hope to see a lot more of him in the Black Cap, as he has demonstrated he is a player with enormous potential,” Stead said in closing.