Devon Conway Ruled Out Of 3rd T20I; New Zealand Pick Replacement 

image-lszkyvvdDevon Conway [X.com]

Injured Devon Conway has been ruled out of the third and final T20I of the series against Australia in Auckland on Sunday (February 25). The New Zealand opener, who hurt his left thumb while wicket-keeping to the bowling of pacer Adam Milne in the second over of the Australian first-innings, will not be taking any part in the third clash of the series at Eden Park. 

The elegant batter had been forced to leave the field during the second T20I as he handed over the gloves to Finn Allen and did not return to bat in the second half where the BlackCaps suffered a horrific collapse to just 102 all out in his absence and conceded an unassailable 2-0 scoreline to the Trans-Tasman rivals. 

The initial X-rays conducted on the experienced batter's thumb revealed a fracture but he has decided to get the injured part further checked to get to the true extent of the issue and take future course of action ahead of the Test series against Australia later in the season. 

Conway Ruled Out Of Auckland T20I 

The left-hand opener, who is also integral to New Zealand's Test team, is now under doubt over his involvement in the forthcoming two-match series part of the 2023-25 World Test Championship (WTC).

For now, the selectors and the team management have brought in a like-for-like replacement in the form of Tim Seifert, who can take the gloves and also open the innings in Conway's place. 

Seifert was ruled out pre-series with a torn-abductor but has since recovered and was declared fit to play after passing a fitness test in Hamilton. Additionally, the selectors have roped in Jacob Duffy as a cover in the bowling unit. 

Black Caps coach revealed spin all-rounder Rachin Ravindra, who had been sidelined with a knee injury from the first two T20Is, is still being monitored.