NEW DELHI: Out-of-form New Zealand opener Devon Conway will not participate in the third test versus England at Hamilton, as he awaits the arrival of his first child this week, according to team officials.
Conway, who managed a mere 21 runs across four innings during the Black Caps’ substantial defeats in the initial two tests, will see Mark Chapman, an uncapped all-rounder, take his position in the squad.
“Family comes first in this environment and we’re all really excited for Dev and his wife Kim to welcome their first child,” said coach Gary Stead.
“Mark was with the test squad in India recently and returned to the Plunket Shield by scoring an impressive 276 – so it’s a good time for him to be joining us.”
Conway’s unavailability could present Stead an opportunity to include Will Young in the batting order for the final test, scheduled at Seddon Park on Saturday.
Young, who accumulated 244 runs and earned Player of the Series honours when New Zealand achieved a remarkable 3-0 victory against India in October and November, lost his spot to Kane Williamson for the England series.
Earlier this year, Conway’s wife Kim shared her experience of miscarriage on social media, expressing her desire to overcome shame and embarrassment associated with it.
“We will have our miracle one day and we will love them with everything,” she wrote in a post on Instagram.
