A blow has been struck to the Chennai Super Kings ahead of their title defence as Devon Conway is expected to be out until at least May. Conway, who was named player of the match in the championship game against the Gujarat Titans the previous season, will be out for at least eight weeks following the announcement that this week he will be having surgery on his left thumb.
The 32-year-old was unable to participate in the first Test match due to a thumb injury sustained during the previous T20I series against Australia. It was decided to operate after consulting with medical professionals. Conway’s recuperation is expected to take at least eight weeks, so it’s quite possible that he won’t be ready for more than half of the tournament, which is scheduled to begin on March 22 and end by the end of May.
Conway’s replacement for the first Test match against Australia, Henry Nicholls, will now play in the second match as a member of the squad. As for Neil Wagner, his dreams of playing his final Test match were dashed when it became apparent that he would not be called up to the team to replace the injured Will O’Rourke. Due to a left hamstring issue, the fast bowler would require at least two weeks out.
Ben Sears, who has taken 58 wickets in 19 games during his first-class career, has replaced him in the New Zealand team. Sears has not yet appeared in a Test match, despite having played for New Zealand in T20Is, including the most recent series against Australia. Ben has a young skill set as a bowler, according to head coach Gary Stead. “He has excellent bounce and bowls with real pace, both of which are huge advantages in red ball cricket. His efforts for the BLACKCAPS in white ball cricket this summer have greatly impressed us, and if needed, we think he can move up to the Test arena.”
