SA-born batsman Devon Conway set for New Zealand Test debut

South African-born batsman Devon Conway is set to finally make his Test cricket bow for his adopted nation New Zealand against England, at Lords this morning.

The Johannesburg native is set to be named as part of the 11 that will take to the field against the Poms, to mark his own historic moment in the historic stadium. Conway quickly became the subject of interest for both South Africans and New Zealanders when his impressive form for his franchise side, Wellington started to quickly gain traction.

He set his sights on playing for the Black Caps

Unfortunately for some South African, any prospects of a Proteas call up were dashed as Conway had already committed his allegiance to New Zealand. It then would take to too long for Conway to get called up for the Black Caps, limited-overs cricket sides, after he qualified for his New Zealand citizenship in late 2020.

Since putting on the black jumper of his new country, Conway has represented them three times in ODI’S with an additional 14 times in T20 internationals where has quickly established himself as a mainstay and one of New Zealand’s big hitters. His averages of 75 in ODI’s and 59 in T20’s being testament to the former Dolphins and Highveld Lions batsman’s destructive nature with the willow in hand.

Speaking to the media the day before, Blacks Caps captain Kane Williamson reserved a few words for the left-hander.

Captain Williamson speaks ahead of Conway’s debut

“A really exciting opportunity for Devon (Conway) obviously he’s been involved with the team over the last year in the white-ball formats and gone extremely well and gets his opportunity to debut at the home of cricket,” Williamson said.

READ | AB DE VILLIERS REASONS FOR TURNING THE PROTEAS REVEALED

Then previewing the series against the hosts, Williamson acknowledged the significance of the series and the strength of the opposition.

“It’s an exciting series that we have ahead of us, there’s the enthusiasm and energy to get back together as a test group after a bit of a break from our last one. They’ve got a lot of depth and they’ve called on that depth in recent years which has only strengthened them as a team.

“There is so much quality in their side, so for us, it’s about focussing on our style of cricket, but we know the challenge is great and they’re very difficult to beat in these conditions.” Said Williamson.

The 31-year old Conway joins the likes of Neil Wagner, BJ Watling, Colin Munro, Grant Elliot and Glenn Phillips as South African-born New Zealand Test cricketers.