New Zealand batter Devon Conway has been ruled out for the remainder of the ODI series against India after sustaining a concussion during a fielding drill ahead of the opening match in Auckland. Fast bowler Matt Henry, who was also involved in the collision during training on the eve of the first ODI, has been cleared of concussion and is available for selection for the second match in Wellington on Saturday.
Both players missed Wednesday’s series opener as a precaution. However, Conway’s ongoing recovery will prevent him from taking any further part in the three-match series, leaving a gap in New Zealand’s batting lineup.
In response to Conway’s absence, New Zealand have called up Nick Kelly into the squad in Wellington. Kelly was originally named only for the fourth and fifth ODIs but has been promoted earlier to bolster the batting resources.
Kelly’s elevation has also prompted a change in the New Zealand A setup. He has been withdrawn from the squad preparing for the third unofficial Test against India A in Lincoln, which begins on Saturday. Auckland batter Dale Phillips has been named as his replacement.
Multiple Injury Concerns Hit New Zealand A Squad
New Zealand A have suffered several injury setbacks ahead of their upcoming unofficial Test against India A, with fast bowlers Simon Keene, Ben Lister, and Fraser Sheat all ruled out.
Keene has been sidelined with a hamstring injury, while Lister and Sheat are recovering from side strains. According to a New Zealand Cricket (NZC) release, Keene and Sheat are expected to “return to play for their domestic teams in the next three-to-four weeks.”
Lister is following a rehabilitation programme after sustaining a right side-strain during a training session with Auckland. NZC stated that he is “working through a return-to-play programme for a right side-strain sustained while training with Auckland.”
The absence of the three fast bowlers is a significant blow to New Zealand A’s bowling attack. Keene and Sheat have each taken six wickets in the series so far, placing them among the leading wicket-takers alongside Zak Gibson and India’s Auqib Nabi.
Gibson and Brett Randell will remain with the New Zealand A squad for the third unofficial Test, while Danru Ferns has been added to the group to strengthen the pace-bowling options.
Meanwhile, Tim Robinson will continue with New Zealand A following Henry Nicholls’ inclusion in the senior ODI squad last week.
The latest changes highlight New Zealand’s growing selection challenges across both squads as they prepare for their respective assignments against India.
