New Zealand’s opening batsman, Devon Conway, is set to undergo surgery for a thumb injury, leading to his absence in the early matches of the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL). The injury occurred while he was keeping wickets in the first T20I against Australia in Wellington, forcing him to sit out the rest of the home series.
Although the initial scans didn’t reveal any severe injury for Conway, subsequent scans, prompted by ongoing discomfort, identified a minor fracture at the joint of his left thumb. This necessitates surgical intervention, and the expected recovery time of eight weeks indicates he is likely to miss the initial half of the season.
As per an ESPN report, Conway is anticipated to make a comeback for the latter part of the IPL season and also participate in the 2024 T20 World Cup for New Zealand in the Caribbean and the USA.
In a brief period, Conway has become a crucial element for the Chennai Super Kings, establishing a strong partnership with fellow opener Ruturaj Gaikwad.
In Conway’s left-handed batter role, CSK can opt for Rachin Ravindra as an opening batsman, which not only retains an overseas slot but also provides flexibility for potential changes in the team composition.
Will Young stepped in for Conway in the New Zealand XI during the first Test against Australia in Wellington, resulting in a 172-run loss for the hosts. The second and concluding Test of the series is set to commence on March 8 in Christchurch.
In a parallel scenario, New Zealand’s Kane Williamson also grappled with a fractured thumb during the 2023 ODI World Cup. The renowned batsman suffered the injury from a stray throw in the league stage match against Bangladesh, causing him to miss a significant portion of the tournament.
Ben Sears replaces the injured William O’Rourke for the second Test for New Zealand
Despite initial suggestions, recently retired left-arm seamer Neil Wagner was not taken into consideration after William O’Rourke’s injury. Ben Sears has been officially named as the replacement for the second Test, a decision confirmed by head coach Gary Stead.
“Disappointing for Will and disappointing for us because I thought he bowled fantastically well and for a guy that’s so young in his Test career it looks like the Australians were certainly respecting him in the way that they’re playing him. I thought his spell before he got injured was absolutely outstanding,” Stead told reporters.
“He’ll be a big loss for us. Ben Sears for us as the closest I guess like for like replacement that we thought we could find. We wanted someone with some genuine pace.”
“Ben’s done that he’s had recent international success against Australia as well which was part of the decision-making and in going with him as the replacement for Will,” Stead added.
O’Rourke gained attention for his impressive nine-wicket performance against South Africa. The tall seamer, a valuable asset in his early international cricket career, will be a significant absence for the pace-bowling unit, already missing Trent Boult and Kyle Jamieson.
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