Conway gets green light
With his New Zealand residency visa approved, the Black Caps face a healthy selection dilemma to squeeze Devon Conway into their test XI.
South African-born Conway is one of three potential test debutants in New Zealand’s 20-man squad for June’s tour of England. The squad will be whittled down to 15 for the World Test Championship final against India in Southampton on June 18-22.
Conway joins Wellington team-mate Rachin Ravindra, an opening batsman and left-arm spinner, and Otago swing bowler Jacob Duffy, who made his T20I debut against Pakistan in December.
Run-scoring machine Conway is poised for a first test cap, which could come at the hallowed Lord’s against England.
He has the all-clear to tour England after finally receiving his New Zealand residency visa.
Conway, who qualified for New Zealand selection last August, three years after settling in Wellington, had his application approved this week, Black Caps coach Gary Stead said yesterday.
‘‘It’s one thing that’s been on his mind that isn’t there any more. Who knows, one less thing on his mind now, he might score more runs,’’ Stead quipped.
Under the Government’s current Covid19
border restrictions, only citizens or residents are permitted entry to New Zealand. Without a resident’s visa, Conway faced the prospect of being blocked from returning after the tour.
He applied for residency last year, but was told applications were delayed by up to nine months due to Covid-19.
With his seat on the plane secure, Stead must ponder how he gets the classy Conway into his test XI.
Conway has proved he belongs in international cricket this summer and offers match-winning ability with the bat for the