Family first for New Zealand as Black Caps confirm squad change for England
Opener drops out of squad as he awaits his first child, with another top-order batter added into the mix for the series finale in Hamilton
New Zealand will make at least one change to their side for the third Test against England with opener Devon Conway to miss the clash as he awaits the birth of his first child.
Conway has been replaced in the squad by Mark Chapman, while Player of the Series from New Zealand's recent Test success in India Will Young will also be in contention for a call-up after he missed the opening two Tests against England.
Opener Devon Conway blasted a century to lead New Zealand to a win over England at the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023
New Zealand coach Gary Stead said Conway had the full support of the team to remain in Wellington for the birth.
“Family comes first in this environment and we’re all really excited for Dev and his wife Kim to welcome their first child,” said Stead.
“Mark was with the Test squad in India recently and returned to the Plunket Shield by scoring an impressive 276 - so it’s a good time for him to be joining us.”
Conway managed scores of just 11 and 0 during New Zealand's 323-run loss to England during the second Test in Wellington, with New Zealand suffering their second straight defeat to England to drop out of contention of reaching next year's ICC World Test Championship Final.
The third Test between New Zealand and England commences in Hamilton on Saturday.
New Zealand squad: Tom Latham (c), Tom Blundell (wk), Mark Chapman, Jacob Duffy, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Nathan Smith, Tim Southee, Kane Williamson, Will Young