(Cricket News) The Kiwi left-hand opener Devon Conway will miss the First test against Australia due to an injury to his left thumb. Conway suffered the injury during the recently concluded T20I series against the same opposition. He has still not recovered fully and will miss the test starting from the 29th February.

Henry Nicholls has been called into the New Zealand squad, as a replacement for the injured Conway. However, Will Young is expected to take the spot and open the innings for the Kiwis in Wellington.

Conway suffered the injury while keeping wickets in the 2nd T20 International. Post the blow to his thumb, he took no further part in the game behind the stumps and with the bat. The scans showed no signs of fracture, however he did face some issue with his thumb. The injury made him sit out of the 3rd T20I and has now ruled him out of the 1st test as well.

“It’s disappointing for Devon to be ruled out on the eve of an important match,” New Zealand coach Gary Stead said. “He’s a class player batting at the top of the order for us and I know he was really looking forward to this series.”

The New Zealander is still nursing from the injury and the Kiwis will hope for him to recover soon before the start of the 2nd test of the series, which is scheduled to be played from the 8th March at Christchurch.

New Zealand’s squad for the first test :  Tim Southee (c), Tom Blundell (w), Henry Nicholls, Matt Henry, Scott Kuggeleijn, Tom Latham (wicketkeeper), Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Kane Williamson, Will Young, Neil Wagner

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