Devon Conway has been ruled out of the remainder of New Zealand’s ODI series against India after suffering a concussion in a training-ground collision with Matt Henry at Eden Park.
Nick Kelly has been called up as Conway’s replacement, joining the squad in Wellington ahead of Saturday’s second ODI, according to CricFacts and Cricket Addictor.
It is a major blow for the hosts, who are already 1-0 down in the five-match series after losing the rain-affected opener in Auckland by five wickets.
How the injury happened
Conway sustained the concussion during a training session at Eden Park, colliding with Henry in a freak accident that left the opener with no chance of recovering in time for the rest of the series.
The injury is the latest setback for a New Zealand side that has struggled with availability throughout the home summer. Conway’s absence removes one of their most reliable top-order batters at a time when the hosts can least afford it.
Kelly gets his chance
Nick Kelly’s call-up is a reward for consistent domestic form, and the left-hander will now have the chance to press his case for a permanent place in the side. He joins the squad in Wellington, where New Zealand will be desperate to level the series on Saturday.
Tim Seifert is expected to continue at the top of the order, having top-scored with 38 off 43 balls in the opener, while Henry Nicholls and Will Young will also be expected to step up in Conway’s absence.
Henry cleared to return
There was better news for New Zealand on the bowling front, with Matt Henry cleared to return after his own injury concerns. Henry’s experience and new-ball threat will be vital on a Wellington pitch that is expected to offer assistance to the bowlers early on.
New Zealand’s attack was well below its best in Auckland, where India bowled them out for 185. Henry’s return, alongside Kyle Jamieson and Jacob Duffy, gives captain Mitchell Santner a much stronger hand for the second ODI.
A series at a crossroads
New Zealand cannot afford to go 2-0 down in a five-match series, and Conway’s absence makes Saturday’s task even harder. India, led by Shubman Gill and featuring the in-form Virat Kohli, will fancy their chances of extending their lead.
For the Black Caps, the response starts with the top order. Without Conway, someone has to step up — and Saturday in Wellington is the perfect stage.
Related reading:
India Eye 2-0 Lead in Wellington ODI Against New Zealand
Kohli Hits 74 As India Beat New Zealand In First ODI At Auckland
Sources: CricFacts NZ vs IND 2nd ODI preview (Nov 6, 2026); Cricket Addictor playing XI preview (Nov 6, 2026); CricTracker match prediction (Nov 6, 2026).
