Devon Conway flies back to New Zealand amid Test series against England

KARACHI: New Zealand's experienced left-handed opener Devon Conway has briefly returned to his home country to welcome the birth of his second child ahead of the second Test of their three-match away series against England, scheduled to be played at The Oval in London from June 17 to 21.

According to New Zealand Cricket (NZC), the left-handed opener, who made 1 and 41 in the Blackcaps' 115-run defeat in a low-scoring Test series opener against England at Lord's, has taken a long journey to spend some time with his family.

The NZC further shared that Conway is expected to rejoin the New Zealand squad ahead of the second Test.

"BLACKCAPS batter Devon Conway has briefly returned home to New Zealand to welcome the birth of his second child," the NZC said in a statement.

"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."

According to international media, the New Zealand players have been given time off following their defeat in the first Test and are due to train at The Oval on Friday, followed by another day off on Saturday.

The touring side will then hold three consecutive training sessions from Sunday to Tuesday, with the fixture scheduled to get underway on Wednesday.

New Zealand squad for England Tests:

Tom Latham (c), Tom Blundell (wk), Devon Conway, Zak Foulkes, Dean Foxcroft, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Will O'Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Nathan Smith, Blair Tickner, Kane Williamson and Ben Sears (travelling reserve).