New Zealand has suffered a major setback before the T20 World Cup 2021 final versus Australia. Devon Conway, the game’s in-form hitter, has been termed out due to a fractured hand. The lefty suffered the injury during the semi-final match versus England. He reportedly smashed his bat immediately after being struck for 46. Here is Why Conway Ruled Out Of T20 WC Final & India Tour.
Why Conway Ruled Out Of T20 WC Final & India Tour
Although his heroics helped New Zealand to a five-wicket victory, the lefty won’t be able to display his quick knock in the final game. Moreover, Conway has been a prominent member of New Zealand’s T20I team for quite some while. The lefty can perform the backbone role while still launching powerful hits freely. In fact, his avg and strike rate in T20Is are 50.17 and 139.35, correspondingly.
Having Conway performing well in this competition, New Zealand will be disappointed since he’s not available. Gary Stead, the team’s head coach, reported that Conway is upset by the situation.
“He’s absolutely gutted to be ruled out like this at this time. Devon is hugely passionate about playing for the BLACKCAPS and no one is more disappointed at the moment than he is – so we’re really trying to rally around him,” Stead said in a video posted on New Zealand Cricket’s official Twitter page.
Devon Conway has been ruled out of the @T20WorldCup Final and following tour to India with a broken right hand. Conway sustained the injury when he struck his bat immediately after being dismissed in last night’s semi-final. More Info | https://t.co/LCMOTJqmqc #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/JIm9o6Rhxe
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) November 11, 2021
“It looked a pretty innocuous reactionary incident on the field, but the blow obviously caught the bat between the glove padding and while it’s not the smartest thing he’s done there’s certainly an element of bad luck in the injury,” he added.
Moreover, Conway has been ruled out of New Zealand’s coming tour to India, which includes 3 Twenty20 Internationals and a pair of Test matches. Stead also disclosed that owing to protocol, NZC is unable to designate Conway’s substitute for the India T20Is. Meanwhile, the team is hoping to find a substitute for him for the Test series.
“Due to the timelines we won’t be bringing in a replacement player for this World Cup or next week’s T20 series against India, but are working through our options for the Test series later this month,” said Stead.
However, Tim Seifert, a wicketkeeper, is prepared to replace Conway in the last match versus Australia. On Sunday, the final match will be played at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium (14th November).
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