New Zealand have lost opener Devon Conway for the first ODI against India at Eden Park, Auckland. He suffered a concussion in a collision with Matt Henry during the final training session. Henry is being monitored and remains doubtful. This report looks at the available numbers and how the lineup could change.
What Happened in Training
The incident came during the Black Caps' last session before the match on Tuesday. Conway and Henry clashed while both attempted to take a catch.
Conway has been formally ruled out with a concussion. Henry is under observation, and his availability is unconfirmed.
Santner's Update
Captain Mitchell Santner said head knocks must be taken very seriously. He confirmed a backup batter is in line and that the team would wait to see how Henry pulls up. He added that the incident "didn't look great to be fair."
| Player | Status | Cause |
|---|
| Devon Conway | Ruled out | Concussion after collision |
| Matt Henry | Doubtful | Being monitored after collision |
Tim Seifert: The Likely Replacement
New Zealand have not officially named Conway's replacement. Santner hinted that T20I opener Tim Seifert could take the top-order spot.
Seifert comes in with strong recent form. He scored 93 runs in the final T20I of the five-match series, which New Zealand lost 3-2. The hosts chased a total of 190-plus in that game.
Seifert's Recent Numbers
| Metric | Detail |
|---|
| Latest T20I innings | 93 runs in the final match |
| T20I series result | New Zealand lost 3-2 |
| Chase in that match | 190-plus target |
| Last ODI | April 2025 vs Pakistan |
| Last ODI score | 26 runs off 29 balls |
| Last ODI strike rate | Approx. 89.66 |
The sample is small. His last ODI return of 26 off 29 balls is modest next to his T20I form. The two formats also demand different pacing.
Format Shift: From T20I to ODI
Seifert's recent 93 came in a chase where the required rate shaped the approach. An ODI opener must balance scoring with preserving wickets over 50 overs.
That context matters when judging how far his T20I form carries over. The ODI at Eden Park will be his first 50-over appearance since April 2025.
Impact on Batting Balance
Conway is an experienced opener, so his absence removes stability at the top. Seifert offers a more aggressive profile based on his recent output. The middle order, led by Tom Latham, will need to absorb any early losses.
New Zealand Predicted XI
The predicted XI below includes Henry as doubtful. If he misses out, the pace attack will need adjusting, and the squad would have to name a replacement.
| No. | Player | Note |
|---|
| 1 | Henry Nicholls | Batter |
| 2 | Tim Seifert | Likely opener |
| 3 | Will Young | Batter |
| 4 | Daryl Mitchell | Batter |
| 5 | Tom Latham | Wicketkeeper |
| 6 | Michael Bracewell | All-rounder |
| 7 | Mitchell Santner | Captain |
| 8 | Nathan Smith | All-rounder |
| 9 | Kyle Jamieson | Pace bowler |
| 10 | Jacob Duffy | Pace bowler |
| 11 | Matt Henry | Doubtful |
Analytical Takeaway
Two key variables remain: Seifert's adaptation to the 50-over format and Henry's fitness. The concussion is the confirmed change. The rest depends on the pre-match assessment.
New Zealand have a backup batter available, which limits the structural damage. The first ODI will show whether recent T20I form translates into a stable ODI opening partnership.