New Zealand looking for a bounce back in the second Test against England After a 115-run defeat in the series opener at Lord’s. The Black Caps struggled to match England at key moments of the match and will now face a must-win contest at The Oval starting on June 17.
After the opening test, the New Zealand players were given a short break before regrouping in London for preparations ahead of the second match. However, one player’s whereabouts became a major topic of discussion after he left the United Kingdom during the break, raising questions about his fitness for the decider.
With the series hanging in the balance, New Zealand supporters were eager to know if one of their most experienced batsmen would be available for selection after a long trip home between Tests.
Devon Conway heads home after Lord’s Test
Although he returned to New Zealand after the trial of the Lord, Devon Conway He is expected to be available for selection at The Oval. The opener went home to Wellington to be with his wife, Kim Conway, the couple welcomed their second child. New Zealand Cricket has confirmed that Conway will spend some time with his family before returning to England ahead of the second Test.
Although the journey will cover more than 23,000 miles, the team is confident that the mortician will join the team in time for training and match preparation. Conway played in both innings of the first Test, scoring 1 and 41 as New Zealand lost. Although he failed to make a significant contribution at Lord’s, he remains a key member of the Black Caps batting unit and is expected to retain his place in the playing XI.
Also READ: Joe Root vs Ben Stokes captaincy stats: Who was England’s better Test captain?
New Zealand get positive physical training ahead of Oval Test
Apart from Conway’s expected return, New Zealand will also hope to have a fully fit bowling attack for the second Test. Fast bowler Matt Henry He struggled with spasms during the opening match, limiting his participation for four days. captain Tom Latham He revealed that Henry’s recovery will be monitored on a day-to-day basis after Lord’s defeat, but expressed optimism that the extra break between matches would give the pacer enough time to regain full fitness.
The Black Caps are scheduled to resume training at The Oval later this week before finalizing their plans for the second Test. With Conway back in England and Henry continuing his recovery, New Zealand will be hoping to field their strongest possible XI as they look to level the series with England.
Also READ: Michael Vaughan explains why Ben Stokes should not lose Test captaincy after nightclub row
