New Zealand’s Devon Conway ruled out of ODI series against India; replacement announced

New Zealand have suffered a setback ahead of the remaining matches of their ODI series against India, with experienced batter Devon Conway ruled out due to concussion. The left-handed batter sustained the injury following a collision with fast bowler Matt Henry during a fielding practice session on the eve of the opening ODI in Auckland.

Both players missed the series opener on Wednesday after the incident, but their recovery updates have brought contrasting news for the visitors. While Conway will take no further part in the series, Henry has been cleared of concussion and is available for selection for the second ODI in Wellington on Saturday.

Devon Conway to miss the rest of the ODI series against India

New Zealand Cricket confirmed that Conway has been ruled out of the remaining matches after suffering a concussion during the training session. The 34-year-old’s absence leaves the visitors without an experienced option in their top order as they look to compete against India in the ongoing three-match ODI series.

To cover for Conway, the selectors have brought in Nick Kelly, who was initially named only for the fourth and fifth ODIs. The batter has now joined the squad in Wellington ahead of Saturday’s match after being withdrawn from the New Zealand A squad. Meanwhile, Auckland batter Dale Phillips has been added to the New Zealand A side as Kelly’s replacement.

Henry Nicholls had already been added to the senior ODI squad last week, while Tim Robinson will continue with New Zealand A. The changes come as New Zealand look to manage their resources across the senior team’s ODI series and the ongoing unofficial Test series against India A.

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Multiple injury concerns in New Zealand A squad

New Zealand A have also been forced to make further changes to their squad ahead of the third unofficial Test against India A, which begins in Lincoln on Saturday. Fast bowlers Simon Keene, Ben Lister and Fraser Sheat have all been ruled out due to injuries, adding to the team’s selection concerns.

Keene and Sheat, who have each taken six wickets in the series so far, sustained their injuries earlier in the competition. According to New Zealand Cricket, both are expected to return to action for their respective domestic teams in the next three to four weeks. Lister, meanwhile, is following a return-to-play programme after suffering a right side strain during training with Auckland.

With the trio unavailable, Zak Gibson and Brett Randell will remain with the New Zealand A squad for the third match, while Danru Ferns has been added to the group. Keene and Sheat are currently among the leading wicket-takers in the series, alongside Gibson and India’s Auqib Nabi.

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