New Zealand's injury crisis deepens as Devon Conway ruled out of India ODIs
New Zealand have suffered another setback in their ODI series against India, with opener Devon Conway ruled out of the remaining four matches after sustaining a concussion during training. Already without two important players in Rachin Ravindra and Mark Chapman, the hosts now have another gap to address as they look to recover from their defeat in the series opener.
Conway missed the first ODI after colliding with Matt Henry during a fielding session at Eden Park on Tuesday. Tim Seifert replaced him at the top of the order and made 38, but New Zealand were bowled out for 185 in 40.2 overs. Blair Tickner's late contribution of 34 helped them reach that total after Arshdeep Singh picked up four wickets and Gurnoor Brar claimed three.
India's chase was interrupted by rain, with the target revised to 143 in 32 overs under the DLS method. Rohit Sharma fell for a duck, but Virat Kohli's 74 off 51 balls and Shubman Gill's 37 put India in control. The visitors eventually reached 143 for five in 22.4 overs to take a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.
New Zealand Cricket confirmed on Friday that Conway would miss the remainder of the contest. Nick Kelly, who was originally selected for the fourth and fifth ODIs, has been called up as his replacement and will join the squad in Wellington. Auckland Aces batter Dale Phillips has, in turn, been brought into the New Zealand A squad for the final four-day match against India A.
The incident occurred during a training session at Eden Park on Tuesday, when Conway and Henry collided while attempting to take the same catch. Both players received immediate medical attention and underwent head injury assessments.
Conway was taken to the Accident and Emergency department of an Auckland medical facility, where further examination confirmed a concussion. Henry has since been cleared of concussion and is available for selection for the second ODI.INJURIES LEAVE NEW ZEALAND SHORT-HANDED
Conway joins Ravindra and Chapman on New Zealand's injury list. Ravindra is recovering from a shoulder problem, while Chapman has been sidelined by a hamstring injury. Both were ruled out before the series began. Henry's availability is a positive for the hosts, although the fast bowler had also missed the final three T20Is against India with a low-grade tear in his right quadriceps.
New Zealand will now have to reassess their batting combination as they look to level the series. The second ODI will be played at Hnry Stadium in Wellington on Saturday, November 7.- Ends
