NZC ropes in Daryl Mitchell as a replacement for injured Devon Conway.
India vs New Zealand: The New Zealand Cricket (NZC) on Saturday drafted in batsman Daryl Mitchell as a replacement for injured wicketkeeper-batsman Devon Conway for the India test series.
Conway, who seemed to be going through a purple patch in his cricketing life, was unfortunately ruled out of the ICC T20 World Cup 2021 final and for the entire India tour with his self-inflicted hand injury. Out of frustration of getting dismissed against England before chasing down the total in 1st semi-final, Conway thumped his bat which turned out to be a bizarre incident.
The stumper batsman was later revealed to have suffered a fracture in his right hand, more specifically, a break to his right-hand fifth Metacarpal.
“It’s a shame for Devon to miss out on the first series of the new World Test Championship cycle, but it also offers up an opportunity for someone else,” New Zealand coach Gary Stead said. “Daryl’s versatility means he can cover a lot of batting positions and he’s certainly got plenty of confidence at the moment.
“He’s proven he can perform in Test cricket and I know he’s excited to rejoin the Test group.”
Mitchell has featured in five test matches for New Zealand since making his longest format debut in 2019. He has scored a century in test cricket against Pakistan in Christchurch.
As per the reports available, Conway’s fair chance to make a comeback will be in January against Bangladesh. The freak self-inflicted injury is likely to take at least four to five weeks time to recuperate well.
New Zealand will face Australia in today’s ICC T20 World Cup 2021 final match in Dubai International Stadium. Though the equations for both the neighbours are equally poised, the injury to Devon Conway may create a chance for the Aussies to take a lead.