ENG vs NZ: Devon Conway tests positive for COVID-19, undergoes isolation

The New Zealand team lost the second Test and the series against England after a dramatic run chase by the hosts on the final day. But the misery for the Kiwis doesn’t end there as one of their star batters Devon Conway has tested positive for Covid-19 ahead of the third Test at Headingley.

Notably, the New Zealand camp was hit by Covid-19 before the second Test as skipper Kane Williamson contracted the virus and was subsequently ruled out for the game. But in a recent update, it has been revealed that it’s the turn of their southpaw opener to remain in isolation before the third Test, which is scheduled to commence on June 23rd.

Conway isn’t the only newly affected player for the Kiwis, as their debutant in the second Test, Michael Bracewell, also tested positive for the virus. Both the players will remain in isolation for five days, as per team protocol. So it is likely that they would be able to make the team for the third and final Test. Skipper Kane Williamson has also recovered and has joined the New Zealand team ahead of the Headingley Test.

Meanwhile, head coach Gary Stead spoke about the current outbreak in the dressing room and sympathized with the allrounder, Bracewell. “Michael’s obviously been in close contact with everyone else. It’s unfortunate for him, but the symptoms are mild, he’s feeling good and he’ll be out of isolation when we start training again at Leeds,” Stead said to nzherald.co.nz.

We have trust in our players, and in how we’re playing the game: Gary Stead

Stead also spoke about his team’s misfortunes on the pitch, as he believed that his team was in the match until the last session of the opening two Tests but couldn’t pick crucial wickets, which were the cause for their defeat. But even after the Test series loss against England, Stead seems pleased with his players and the way they approach the game.

“We have trust in our players, and in how we’re playing the game. We just need a bit of luck. In both tests, we’ve been in the game until the last session but failed to pick up a wicket when we needed to,” the head coach revealed.