look news india
New Delhi, March 4 (HS). Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have suffered a big blow before the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, the team's opening batsman New Zealand's Devon Conway will remain away from the cricket field till at least May. Conway, who was man of the match in last year's title clash against Gujarat Titans, will undergo surgery on his left thumb, which will keep him out for at least eight weeks.
The 32-year-old suffered a thumb injury during the recently held T20 series against Australia and as a result, he was not even available to play the opening Test.
New Zealand Cricket confirmed on Monday that following medical consultation it has been decided to undergo surgery on Conway's left thumb. With recovery expected to take at least eight weeks, Conway is in all likelihood unavailable for more than half of the tournament which is scheduled to begin on March 22 and is likely to finish by the end of May.
Henry Nicholls, who was called up as cover for Conway for the first Test against Australia, will now remain with the team for the second Test. Meanwhile, Neil Wagner's hopes of getting a farewell Test match were dashed when it was confirmed that he would not be included in the squad as a replacement for the injured Will O'Rourke. The fast bowler has suffered a strain in his left hamstring and will now need at least two weeks' rest.
New Zealand has included Ben Sears in his place, who has taken 58 wickets in 19 matches so far in his first-class career. Sears has played T20Is for New Zealand, including the most recent series against Australia, he is yet to make a Test appearance.
Head coach Gary Stead said, “Ben is a young bowler with quality skills. He bowls at real pace and gets good bounce which is always a big asset in red ball cricket. “We have been really impressed with his performances for the Blackcaps in white-ball cricket this summer and we believe he can progress into Tests.”