Devon Conway Excluded from First ODI Against India Due to Injury

New Zealand opener Devon Conway will not participate in the first ODI against India due to a head injury incurred during a training session. The injury, resulting from a collision with teammate Matt Henry, raises concerns for the team as they face multiple injury issues. Captain Mitchell Santner confirmed that while Henry is fine, Conway's condition necessitated immediate medical attention. With Tim Seifert likely to replace Conway, the team aims to maintain momentum from their recent T20 series. The ODI series begins on November 4, and both teams are eager to secure an early advantage.

By Narendra Chaudhary Nov 3, 2026, 23:49 IST

Injury Sidelines Devon Conway for Opening ODI

Auckland [New Zealand], November 3: New Zealand's opening batsman, Devon Conway, will miss the first One Day International (ODI) against India, set to take place in Auckland on Wednesday, due to a head injury sustained during a training session on Tuesday.

The injury occurred when Conway collided with fast bowler Matt Henry during the team's practice at Eden Park, leading to his exclusion from the series opener, as reported by a sports news outlet.

New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner confirmed that Matt Henry passed his concussion tests and is fine, but Conway's situation is more serious, prompting immediate medical attention.

"Not yet. I think Matt went through his concussion thing. He seems okay, but Dev's been raced off-premises. So, yeah, it didn't look too good, actually, that collision," Santner informed the media.

Conway's injury adds to New Zealand's growing injury woes, with Mark Chapman and Rachin Ravindra already out of the ODI series due to hamstring and shoulder injuries, respectively. Additionally, wicketkeeper/batter Tim Seifert, initially considered for just the first two ODIs, has now been included in the squad for the entire series.

Santner suggested that Seifert is likely to step in for Conway in the playing XI. He expressed disappointment over Conway's potential absence, highlighting his skills in the 50-over format and labeling the training incident as an unfortunate accident.

"Yeah, I guess he's [Seifert] the back-up batter in our squad. So it'll probably be a direct swap if Dev's unavailable, which is a shame. He [Conway] is obviously very good in one-day cricket and, you know, was biding his time in the T20 series. And, yeah, I guess another one of those freak accidents that happens," Santner added.

The ODI series is set to commence on November 4 in Auckland, following an exciting five-match T20I series. India secured an unassailable 3-0 lead after winning the first three matches, but New Zealand made a strong comeback, winning the last two games to conclude the series at 3-2.

The home team will aim to maintain their winning streak as they enter the ODI series, while India will look to rebound and kick off the 50-over segment of the tour with a victory.