Black Caps batter leaves squad ahead of second England test

Thursday, 11 June 2026

Black Caps opener Devon Conway has left the squad ahead of their second test against England starting on Wednesday, making a return dash to New Zealand for the birth of his second child, the team said.

“Black Caps batter Devon Conway has briefly returned home to New Zealand to welcome the birth of his second child,’’ NZ Cricket said in a statement released on Thursday night.

“Conway will spend some time at home with family before flying back to London ahead of the second Test against England at The Oval, starting Wednesday 17 June.’’

On a troubling Lord’s wicket, Conway was one of the few batters to enjoy a stay at the crease, making 41 in New Zealand’s failed second innings run chase.

Henry Nicholls is in the squad and would be logical cover at the top of the order if Conway was unable to make it back to the UK in time.

For England, their build-up to the second test has been marred by a nightclub incident that resulted in captain Ben Stokes and fast bowler Gus Atkinson being dropped.

Joe Root has been installed as temporary captain while Stokes’ future within English cricket is uncertain, with some reports even suggesting the ECB is concerned a retirement could be on the cards.

England lead the three-test series 1-0, heading to The Oval next week.