South Africa-born Devon Conway set to play for New Zealand

ICC has confirmed that South African-born Devon Conway will be eligible to represent New Zealand from August 28. Conway, who represents Wellington, left Johannesburg in September 2017, at the age of 26 in order to pursue a cricketing career in the Kiwi nation.

Furthermore, Conway has also been granted an exceptional dispensation by ICC, making his eligible to play for New Zealand before the deadline. Under the dispensation, Conway is set to play for New Zealand in their Bangladesh tour starting on August 12. However, due to the current stern situation across the globe due to coronavirus pandemic, the tour is in serious jeopardy.

‘I’m pretty happy but I’ve to keep working hard’: Devon Conway

“There are mixed feelings at the moment,” said Conway as quoted by ESPN Cricinfo. “Obviously, really happy to hear the news about my eligibility but then again with regards to what’s happening throughout the world it just puts it in perspective,” he added.

The left-handed batsman’s New Zealand’s cap remains a formality after delivering impressive performances in all formats since making his debut for the Wellington Firebirds in the 2017-18 season.

Conway mustered 543 runs at an impressive average of 67.87, steering Firebirds to the domestic T20 title in January. Moreover, the 28-year-old also ended as top-scorer with 701 runs in his side’s expedition in the 2019-20 Plunket Shield.

After playing extensively at the provisional level in South Africa, Conway struggled to pave his way and make himself noticed in the top-tier franchise cricket. After delivering match-winning performances on the New Zealand soil, Conway is set to join the likes of Grant Elliott and Neil Wagner in the list of South Africa-born cricketers to don the Kiwi jersey.

“I am pretty happy but I’ve just got to keep working hard and hopefully get an opportunity to break into that Black Caps team which has world-class players, and it won’t be easy,” added Conway.

“I’m trying to do as much physical work as possible, as it allows me, but I also try and focus on doing some of those eye exercises that are quite important to me, and using skills like boxing to stay active – I’m enjoying that recently,” Conway said. “There’s not a lot that we can do, but as much as you can do, it’s important to do during this period.”