New Zealand have suffered a major setback on the eve of the first ODI against India, with wicketkeeper-batter Devon Conway ruled out after sustaining a concussion during training at Eden Park on Tuesday, November 3. Matt Henry was involved in the same fielding collision and is also being monitored by the team’s medical staff. The first ODI is scheduled for Wednesday, November 4, in Auckland.
New Zealand Cricket confirmed that Conway and Henry collided while attempting to take a catch during the BLACKCAPS training session. Both players received immediate treatment and Head Injury Assessments at the ground. Conway was taken to hospital for further examination, which confirmed a concussion and ruled him out of the opening match.
Matt Henry’s availability remains under assessment
Henry’s status is not yet confirmed. New Zealand Cricket said both players would continue to be monitored and that their involvement in the ODI series would be updated in due course. No final decision on Henry’s availability should be assumed until the team provides another medical update.
The timing is particularly difficult for the hosts, who are already without Mark Chapman and Rachin Ravindra for the series. Chapman is recovering from a hamstring injury, while Ravindra is continuing rehabilitation for a shoulder problem.
Tim Seifert and Henry Nicholls included in New Zealand’s plans
New Zealand Cricket had already expanded Tim Seifert’s availability to the full ODI series after initially selecting him for the fourth and fifth matches. Henry Nicholls was added for the first three ODIs, while Dean Foxcroft was named for the final two. Matt Fisher is also staying with the squad as an additional bowling option.
Conway’s absence means New Zealand will need to settle its top-order and wicketkeeping combination for the Auckland match. The exact batting order and playing XI will only become clear when the teams are confirmed at the toss.
India also have a fast-bowling absence
India are without Prasidh Krishna for the five-match ODI series. The BCCI confirmed that the fast bowler, who is recovering from a hamstring injury, has been ruled out because he needs more time to build the workload required for match fitness. The board’s updated squad for the first three ODIs includes Auqib Nabi, while Nitish Kumar Reddy is listed for the first ODI only.
What Conway’s absence means for the first ODI
Conway’s experience at the top of the order and his wicketkeeping ability give New Zealand flexibility, so his absence creates a selection decision before the opening match. The hosts will need their remaining top-order batters to provide a steady start against India’s seam attack.
India and New Zealand meet at Eden Park on Wednesday, November 4. The match is scheduled to begin at 7:30 AM IST. For the venue details, pitch discussion and key player matchups, read the India vs New Zealand 1st ODI preview on Sportimatic.
New Zealand vs India: latest team news
- Devon Conway: Ruled out of the first ODI with concussion.
- Matt Henry: Being monitored after the training collision; availability update awaited.
- Mark Chapman: Out of the ODI series with a hamstring injury.
- Rachin Ravindra: Out of the ODI series while recovering from a shoulder injury.
- Prasidh Krishna: Ruled out of India’s ODI series with a hamstring injury.
Official sources
- New Zealand Cricket: Conway and Henry fielding incident update (November 3, 2026)
- New Zealand Cricket: Chapman and Ravindra ruled out; squad updates (November 2, 2026)
- BCCI: India and India A squad updates for New Zealand tour (October 30, 2026)
Updated: November 3, 2026. Matt Henry’s availability and the final playing XIs remain subject to official confirmation.
