Conway Concussed in Training Collision as New Zealand’s Injury List Grows

Auckland: New Zealand’s preparations for the ODI series against India have been disrupted by another injury, with Devon Conway ruled out of Wednesday’s opener at Eden Park after sustaining a concussion in a training collision with fast bowler Matt Henry.

The incident occurred during New Zealand’s pre-match session on Tuesday when the two players collided. Both were immediately treated by medical staff on-site. Conway was then taken to A&E for further examination, which confirmed the concussion. Henry, according to captain Mitchell Santner, appeared fine after undergoing concussion tests.

Conway joins a substantial casualty list. Batters Mark Chapman and Rachin Ravindra have already been ruled out of the series with hamstring and shoulder injuries respectively. Tim Seifert, originally considered only for the first two ODIs, was added to the squad for the entire series on Monday, and Santner indicated he would likely step in.

Eden Park’s Demands

The ground dimensions at Eden Park, with their short straight boundaries, are expected to challenge both sides. Santner anticipated some bounce for the fast bowlers, similar to what was on offer during the fourth T20I, when New Zealand’s quicks used hard lengths to telling effect in an 87-run win.

Catching had been an issue for New Zealand through the T20I series, which India won 3-2. Santner acknowledged that the small moments had cost his side.

The T20I series began on flat pitches where both teams scored heavily. New Zealand’s two wins, in the fourth and fifth matches, came on surfaces offering more assistance to the seamers. Santner hopes for similar conditions in the ODIs.

                                               

Relevant news