New Zealand opener Devon Conway has temporarily returned home ahead of the birth of his second child, taking advantage of the gap between the first and second Tests against England. Despite undertaking a remarkable 37,000-kilometre round trip, Conway is expected to be available for the second Test at The Oval, beginning on June 17.
New Zealand Cricket confirmed that the experienced left-hander has travelled back to New Zealand to spend time with his family before returning to England later this week. With enough time available before the next Test, team management has not named a replacement, indicating confidence that Conway will rejoin the squad as scheduled.
“BLACKCAPS batter Devon Conway has briefly returned home to New Zealand to welcome the birth of his second child. Conway will spend some time at home with family before flying back to London ahead of the second Test against England at The Oval,” New Zealand Cricket said in an official statement.
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The 34-year-old’s return comes at an important stage of the series, with New Zealand looking to bounce back after a disappointing defeat in the opening Test at Lord’s. England secured a convincing 115-run victory in a match that finished in less than four days, thanks largely to a dominant bowling performance.
Although New Zealand struggled with the bat throughout the contest, Conway was one of the few positives for the visitors. His second-innings knock of 41 was the Black Caps’ second-highest individual score of the match, behind only Glenn Phillips’ unbeaten 44. The innings highlighted Conway’s value at the top of the order as New Zealand searches for a stronger response in the second Test.
🚨 DEVON CONWAY ANGRY ON PAKISTAN & PSL 🚨
Interviewer Asked 🗣️How are you enjoying playing in the PSL?
Devon Conway Said 🗣️ “To be honest, I’m not enjoying it at all, One day the ball color is changing, another day the jersey color is rubbing off, one day someone is ball… pic.twitter.com/rJ6jKco7Oo
— lndian Sports Netwrk (@IS_Netwrk29) March 31, 2026
According to reports, the New Zealand squad has been given a short break following the conclusion of the Lord’s Test. Players are scheduled to resume training on Friday before continuing preparations for the crucial clash at The Oval.
While New Zealand focus on levelling the series, much of the attention in England has shifted away from on-field action. England captain Ben Stokes and fast bowler Gus Atkinson were recently dropped from the squad for the second Test following an alleged breach of team protocols linked to a nightclub incident after the first Test.
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In Stokes’ absence, former captain Joe Root has been handed leadership responsibilities for the upcoming match. As both teams prepare for the second Test, Conway’s expected return will provide a timely boost for New Zealand’s hopes of staging a comeback in the three-match series.
