Published: Feb 27, 2024, 01:40 PM (IST)
Edited: Feb 27, 2024, 01:40 PM (IST)
AUS VS NZ: New Zealand opener Devon Conway is set to undergo a fitness evaluation for his injured thumb on Wednesday ahead of the inaugural Test against Australia in Wellington. This comes after specialists conducted further assessments, as Conway has not engaged in any batting activities since sustaining the injury last Friday. The left-handed batsman sustained the injury while wicketkeeping during the second T20I against Australia in Auckland. While initial scans ruled out a fracture, Conway refrained from keeping wickets or batting for the remainder of the match and was subsequently ruled out of the third T20I. New Zealand coach Gary Stead confirmed that Conway would not participate in training on Tuesday, indicating that a decision regarding his availability for the first Test would be made on Wednesday.
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Stead stated that investigations into Devon Conway’s injured thumb are ongoing, with Conway consulting multiple specialists. Conway did not participate in training, and a decision regarding his availability for the upcoming match will be made the following morning based on his ability to bat comfortably. Stead emphasized the importance of Conway’s role in the batting lineup and expressed the team’s desire for his participation. However, he noted that Conway’s ability to bat in the nets would be a crucial factor in determining his fitness to play. Additionally, Stead confirmed the fitness of Rachin Ravindra and Daryl Mitchell, with the latter returning to his No. 5 spot. If Conway is unable to play, Will Young may open alongside Tom Latham.
Neil Wagner announced his retirement from international cricket on Tuesday after being informed of his non-selection for the upcoming two Tests against Australia. Although he was included in the squad for the Wellington Test, it was merely a ceremonial gesture. New Zealand’s previous Test in Hamilton saw them fielding four fast bowlers, a decision that coach Stead acknowledged as potentially mistaken despite the victory. Looking ahead to the Wellington Test, Stead hinted at Mitchell Santner’s return to the squad, indicating that the team may opt for a different composition considering the pitch conditions. Reflecting on the previous selection, Stead admitted the possibility of an error given the pitch behavior. Santner, known for his spin bowling prowess, is being considered as a viable option for the upcoming match.
Captain Tim Southee, along with Matt Henry and Will O’Rourke, are likely to form the pace trio for New Zealand in the upcoming Test, with Scott Kuggeleijn being the only other fast-bowling option available in the squad. While the pitch initially appeared green two days before the match, observations from those who have inspected it suggest it is firm and promising underneath despite the green grass covering.
New Zealand’s track record against Australia in Test matches at home hasn’t been favorable, with their last home victory against Australia dating back to 1993, and their last overall win against them occurring in 2011. Nonetheless, Coach Stead views this series as an opportunity for New Zealand to rectify their historical statistics against their trans-Tasman rivals.
Despite the infrequency of matches against Australia, Stead acknowledged their status as the current world Test champions and acknowledged their reputation as a formidable opponent. However, he also highlighted this as an opportunity for New Zealand to showcase their capabilities and rise to the challenge. The series presents a chance for New Zealand to assert themselves against a top-tier team and demonstrate their prowess on the international stage.
