Injuries plague New Zealand and Australia ahead of third T20I

New Zealand's Devon Conway and Australia's David Warner have been ruled out of the third T20I to be played on Sunday, 25 February.

Conway had injured his left thumb while wicket-keeping when he was struck by an Adam Milne delivery in the second over of the match, who was bowling at over 140kph.

He was forced to leave, handng over the wicket-keeping duties to Finn Allen and did not return to field or bat in the match.

Initially X-rays ruled out a fracture. However, Conway will return home to Wellington to get the thumb checked by a hand specialist and assess the extent of the injury.

Tim Seifert will replace Conway for the third T20I. Seifert himself was ruled out pre-series with a torn-abductor but has since then recovered and passed the fitness test this morning in Hamilton. 

The Blackcaps have also added Jacob Duffy to the squad as an additional cover for the bowling unit.

Rachin Ravindra, who missed the second T20I due to a left knee injury, continues to be looked at. According to New Zealand head coach Gary Stead, Rachin will be monitored over the next 24 hours and a decision on his availability will only be made just ahead of the third T20I.

Meanwhile, Australia have their own share of troubles with veteran opening batter David Warner set to miss the final T20I due to groin soreness.

Warner was not a part of the Playing XI for the second T20I as well and his absence means that Steve Smith will get another crack at the top of the order in the next T20I.

However, Cricket Australia believe he is expected to be fit for the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

The third and final T20I will be played at Eden Park on Sunday, 23 February. Australia have clinched the series 2-0.