ENG vs NZ: Devon Conway to miss final Test against England due to personal reasons

New Zealand opener Devon Conway will skip the third and final Test against England this week as he awaits the birth of his first child.  

The Black Caps, who suffered a series-defining 323-run defeat in the second Test, will be without Conway as he stays in Wellington with his family. Auckland Aces batter Mark Chapman has been called up as his replacement.  

New Zealand head coach Gary Stead expressed full support for Conway’s decision, stating, “Family comes first in this environment, and we're all really excited for Dev and his wife Kim to welcome their first child.”  

Chapman, who recently scored an impressive 276 in the Plunket Shield, returns to the squad after being part of New Zealand's Test side during the India series.  

Conway’s absence opens the door for Will Young, who was the player of the series during last month’s tour of India, scoring 244 runs at an average of 48.40. Young, who missed the first two Tests against England after Kane Williamson’s return, is now expected to step into the starting XI.  

Williamson, leading New Zealand’s batting efforts, has been their top scorer in the series with 195 runs at an average of 48.75. However, the rest of the batting lineup, including Conway, have struggled. Conway’s series average dropped to 5.25 after a five-ball duck in the second Test.  

Black Caps captain Tom Latham hinted at potential changes for the third Test in Hamilton, which begins on Friday. Speaking after the Basin Reserve loss, Latham said, “We’ll assess the conditions at Seddon Park and decide on the best XI.”  

Left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner could be included, given the typically flat pitch at the venue. Meanwhile, Tim Southee, who has announced his retirement from Test cricket after this series, is expected to feature in his farewell game at his home ground, despite his struggles with the ball in this series, taking four wickets at an average of 61.50.  

The Black Caps will reconvene on Wednesday to prepare for the final Test at Seddon Park.