NEW DELHI: New Zealand Cricket confirmed on Wednesday that Black Caps opening batsman Devon Conway will miss the first Test against Australia due to a thumb injury sustained during a Twenty20 match last Friday.
Conway's absence from the Wellington Test, scheduled to begin on Thursday, comes after he injured his thumb during New Zealand's T20 series loss to Australia in Auckland, with the visitors securing a 3-0 victory.
Following scans revealing damage to his left thumb, Conway has been ruled out of the opening Test, with experienced batsman Henry Nicholls called up as cover.
Expressing disappointment over Conway's absence, New Zealand head coach Gary Stead remarked, "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."
However, Stead acknowledged the value of having Nicholls back in the squad, highlighting his Test experience and versatility in the batting order.
"It's nice to have a player of Henry's calibre to call on," Stead stated. "He has plenty of Test experience and covers a number of positions in our batting order."
The Black Caps management is awaiting further updates on Conway's injury status and whether he will be available for the second Test, set to commence in Christchurch on March 8.
(With inputs from AFP)
