[ad_1]
The batter’s state of residence is causing problems, but the coach has no doubt that he is a test player.
New Zealand coach Gary Stead is hopeful that issues related to Devon Conway’s ability to leave and return to the country in the prevailing Covid-19 border restrictions will be resolved in time for him to be a part of the New Zealand team. try to travel to England in May.
The tour includes two Trials against England and then the World Trials Championship final against India at the end of June. Conway, who qualified for New Zealand last August, has yet to make his test debut, but after a stellar season in limited-overs cricket, he has made an almost irrefutable case for a spot on the team, although the way he that enters the XI remains. a puzzle for selectors.
Under New Zealand government border regulations, only permanent residents of the country can leave and return due to the Covid-19 processes involved. Although Conway qualified for national duty last year, his residency application has yet to be completed, and the pandemic adds to the delay, so it must be accelerated or a waiver must be obtained.
“I think it’s still in the pipeline, but I understand Devon has been spoken to and I’m hopeful that everything is in place sooner. [the tour]”Stead said.” Everyone has seen how Devon played this year; I think I want him to be part of that test team, definitely.
“I knew he was a good player, I guess sometimes you can be pleasantly surprised at how people make that adjustment. It seems like Devon has all the skills to be an amazing player. We are so lucky to have had people on our team like Ross Taylor. and Kane Williamson and you see someone like Devon Conway coming and you think there’s another kid who could be in that class. “
New Zealand will bring a team of 20 to England, the group will be named next Thursday, so there is plenty of room for Conway, but there is no easy answer as to who he replaces in the XI if he wants to make his debut. . Will Young was preferred as the next hitter on the line earlier in the season against the West Indies.
Aside from Captain Williamson, Taylor, Tom Latham and Henry Nicholls appear to be locked up. But with a 29.75 average in his last nine tests, the spotlight could be on Taylor, who potentially leaves a hitting space unless the side balance is shifted to shut out an off-roader.
There could be a short-term opening for the first Test against England, starting on June 2, if Williamson is unavailable due to his IPL commitments, but that would only drive the longer-term decision down the road.
Tom Blundell has been Latham’s most recent starting partner (Young replaced him for a test this season when Blundell took the gloves) but while Conway is averaging over 60 at No. 3 in first-class cricket, the opening would not be his. natural position.
New Zealand has rotated their No. 7 between Daryl Mitchell and Mitchell Santner this season, depending on conditions, and if they feel capable of going to a Test with just four fast specialists, Conway could play as another hitter.
The first part of the England tour is likely to be a juggling act for New Zealand. There is a chance for IPL players to go to various stages depending on when their teams are eliminated, and then their availability would be based on any quarantine required, although at this stage Stead expects everyone to be available for the second test. The initial 20-man squad will be reduced to 15 for the WTC final.
“It’s an interesting time right now because there are a lot of different moving parts. We have selected what we think is likely to be our XI, or 12-13 depending on conditions, then we look to have coverage for each of those points. too, “Stead said of the selection of the biggest team. “They will continue to be disappointed people to miss the team and again they will think that is the best of the depth that we are showing right now.”
The final round of the Plunket Shield takes place this weekend with some New Zealand players involved, then those on contracts will have two to three weeks off before a series of training camps are organized before the trip to England with the team. which will depart in mid-May. .
Andrew McGlashan is Deputy Editor of ESPNcricinfo
