AUCKLAND : New Zealand opener Devon Conway will miss the first one-day international against India after suffering a head injury in a training-ground collision with teammate Matt Henry at Eden Park on Tuesday, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) said.
The players collided while attempting to take a catch, with Conway ruled out due to concussion following a head injury assessment, NZC said in a statement.
“Both players will continue to be monitored and their involvement in the series against India will be updated in due course,” NZC added.
New Zealand are already without Rachin Ravindra, who has a shoulder injury, and Mark Chapman, who is sidelined with a hamstring problem.
Captain Mitchell Santner confirmed Tim Seifert would replace Conway but said he was hopeful Henry would be available for Wednesday’s match.
“He (Conway) is obviously very good in one-day cricket and was biding his time in the T20 series,” Santner told reporters. “I guess another one of those freak accidents that happens.”
India, who won the preceding five-match Twenty20 series 3-2, are using the ODI series as part of their preparations for next year’s World Cup.
“The World Cup will certainly be at the back of our mind,” India captain Shubman Gill told reporters.
“These conditions are going to be much similar to those in South Africa … Keeping that in mind, the experience will be valuable for both our batters and bowlers.”
Gill and batter KL Rahul will miss the final two ODIs as they prepare for the two-test series that follows.
