News by “Sana Ullah”
February 28, New Zealand’s opening batsman, Devon Conway, will be absent from the first Test against Australia, as confirmed by captain Tim Southee on Wednesday. Conway sustained a left thumb injury during a Twenty20 match against Australia in Auckland last Friday, forcing him to miss the opening Test in Wellington on Thursday. Experienced batsman Henry Nicholls has been brought in as cover for the two-Test series, with Will Young elevated to open alongside Tom Latham, Southee informed reporters. Southee expressed disappointment for Conway, emphasizing that injuries create opportunities for others.New Zealand coach Gary Stead remarked, “It’s disappointing for Devon [Conway] 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.”Will Young, who played a crucial role in New Zealand’s recent Test victory against South Africa, scoring an unbeaten 60 at number five, has proven himself as a valuable asset.Conway’s availability for the second Test in Christchurch, starting on March 8, remains uncertain. Southee mentioned assessing weather and pitch conditions before deciding on the playing XI, indicating the possibility of an all-seam attack in Wellington.The retirement of left-arm pace bowler Neil Wagner, announced on Tuesday, was acknowledged by Southee. Wagner, aged 37, had taken 260 wickets in 64 Tests, and his absence will be felt in the team.Australia’s captain, Pat Cummins, announced an unchanged lineup from the team that drew the Test series 1-1 against the West Indies in January. New Zealand aims for its first Test victory over the top-ranked Australia team since 2011, while Australia looks to replicate its 3-0 sweep in the previous Test series against New Zealand four years ago.
