Devon Conway ruled out of first Australia Test, Henry Nicholls named replacement

New Zealand's left-handed opener, Devon Conway, encounters disappointment as he's ruled out of the opening Test against Australia due to a lingering thumb injury sustained during the T20I series. Conway, who injured his thumb while wicketkeeping in Auckland, couldn't bat in the second T20I, and missed the series finale. Despite initial scans ruling out fractures, subsequent tests in Wellington revealed damage to his left thumb. New Zealand Cricket confirms Henry Nicholls' inclusion, another southpaw, for the first Test in Conway's absence.

The left-handed batter’s race against time to recover for the red-ball encounter ends with him missing the first Test. Further assessments are pending to gauge the full extent of the injury. An update from New Zealand Cricket is awaited to determine Conway's availability for the second Test, which commences from March 8 in Christchurch. Despite Conway's setback, the team is hopeful for his quick recovery and eventual return to the starting lineup.

“It’s disappointing for Devon to be ruled out on the eve of an important match. He’s a class player batting at the top of the order for us and I know he was really looking forward to this series. It’s nice to have a player of Henry’s calibre to call on. He has plenty of Test experience and covers a number of positions in our batting order,” said Gary Stead, as quoted by Hindustan Times.

Star players return from injury setbacks for New Zealand

Rachin Ravindra and Daryl Mitchell are scheduled to return to action for New Zealand in the upcoming series against Australia. Ravindra, who suffered a knee injury during the first T20I, has recuperated and will aim to extend his impressive form into the Test arena after a remarkable double-century against South Africa. Meanwhile, all-rounder Mitchell returns after being sidelined with a heel injury, missing both the Tests against South Africa and the T20Is against Australia. 

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