New Zealand Lose Conway to Injury on Eve of First Test Against Australia

New Zealand’s preparations for the first Test against Australia have been disrupted by the late withdrawal of key batsman Devon Conway due to a thumb injury.

Conway, who also doubles as a wicketkeeper, sustained the injury while playing in Friday’s second Twenty20 international against the Australians at Auckland’s Eden Park.

He was forced to leave the field and was unable to bat during the Black Caps’ chase. He was also ruled out of Sunday’s dead rubber where Australia defeated New Zealand to register 3-0 series in T20Is.

The 32-year-old’s absence was confirmed by New Zealand Cricket (NZC) on Wednesday, just a day before the first Test begins at the Basin Reserve in Wellington.

“Another update will be provided later in the week following further medical consultation to ascertain the extent of the injury and the final diagnosis,” NZC said in a statement.

Following Devon Conway’s injury, Will Young is set to take his place as the opening batsman alongside Tom Latham. Young previously impressed with an unbeaten 60 in the second Test against South Africa, filling in for the injured Daryl Mitchell.

The presence of spin-bowling options like Rachin Ravindra and Glenn Phillips in the batting lineup could pave the way for experienced seamer Scott Kuggeleijn to potentially earn his second Test cap.

This blow comes on the heels of fast bowler Neil Wagner who announced his retirement on Tuesday, further depleting the already thin New Zealand bowling attack.

Conway is a crucial member of the New Zealand batting line-up, averaging 41.58 in Test cricket with four centuries to his name in 20 matches.

Uncapped batsman Henry Nicholls has been called into the Test squad as cover, but the Black Caps will wait until the toss on Thursday morning to confirm their final XI.

Meanwhile, Australian captain Pat Cummins is scheduled to address the media later on Wednesday.