NZ vs ENG 2024: Devon Conway to miss third Test for birth of his first child(Photo Source: NZ cricket )
New Zealand opener Devon Conway will miss the third and final Test against England, which is slated to begin on December 14 and be played at Seddon Park in Hamilton. The 33-year-old is waiting for the birth of his first child and has remained in Wellington, where New Zealand suffered an embarrassing 323-run defeat in the second Test.
Head coach Gary Stead has confirmed the development while the selectors named Mark Chapman as Conway’s replacement. Speaking on the same, Stead noted that Chapman was part of the squad for the India tour and his recent 276-run knock in Plunket Shield led to his selection for the final Test.
“Family comes first in this environment and we’re all really excited for Dev and his wife Kim to welcome their first child,” Stead was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo when asked about Conway.
“Mark (Chapman) was with the Test squad in India recently and returned to the Plunket Shield by scoring an impressive 276 – so it’s a good time for him to be joining us,” he explained Chapman’s selection.
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Meanwhile, Conway’s unavailability will open the door for Will Young, who was sensational in the three-match series against India. He was adjudged Player of the Series for amassing 244 runs at an average of 48.40. Yet, the 32-year-old failed to get into the playing XI for the England series as Kane Williamson returned after a hamstring injury.
New Zealand, on the other hand, has had a rough 2024 as far as Test cricket is concerned. They lost back-to-back series to Australia and Sri Lanka before pulling off a heist in India. That was expected to bolster the team’s confidence, but against England, the team struggled again as the visitors stormed to an unassailable 2-0 lead.
Apart from Young, New Zealand has also hinted that Mitchell Santner might return to the playing XI. He was phenomenal in the series against India as well, but like Young, the team management couldn’t make room for the left-arm spinner in the England series.