Having piled up runs both in the first class and in the Super Smash, the domestic T20 competition of New Zealand, the only thing that Devon Conway, the South Africa born Wellington star was looking forward to was a New Zealand debut. This wish of his is most likely to be fulfilled once the kiwis take on the West Indies in the first-ever T20I of the three-match T20I series in Eden Park, Auckland.
Sitting on the cusp of the debut, the 29-year-old said, "It's all very exciting that it's happening. I'm just looking forward to getting out there for a potential debut.”
He further said that he is looking forward to the opportunity no doubt, but by still staying in the moment and not thinking too much about it. "To be honest, I don't listen too much about the expectations people have for me. I think about staying in the moment and to focus on the task at hand. Whatever else happens. I try to get away from that sort of thing.”
Saying that one never knows as to when an opportunity is going to come, so he prefers to be ready for it and not look too far ahead. “It's been pretty special - being with this group of players, and the environment and culture they have, getting to know them better. That being said, I'm still waiting for the final XI for tomorrow to be announced,” Conway added.
There is no doubt that the South Africa-born is looking to cement his place in the team for the T20 World Cup next year and he talked about it in detail as well. "With the T20 World Cup coming up in 2021, it's about working out all the positions and the best XI. And learning to execute your roles, be it in New Zealand conditions, Australian conditions, or Indian conditions,” he said.
Conway played against some of the Windies bowlers in a first-class game as part of New Zealand A squad and reckons that the time in the middle against the opposition will boost his confidence.
"Having the opportunity to play against some international bowlers was a big boost. Having the time out in the middle, I can take the confidence into the T20s as well, even though it's a different format,” said Conway who scored 46 not out, and 41 in two innings.
Speaking on the issue of the Black Lives Matter, Conway, who leads the charts in the current Plunkett Shield with 410 runs to his name in just seven innings at an average of more than 47, said that his captain Tim Southee and the management have briefed the team about the issue and he is excited to be able to support the Caribbean team and the entire community in its struggle.
“It was awesome to hear about [how] we can support and get behind them tomorrow. It's a really good initiative that is creating awareness worldwide. Now it's all about backing that decision and supporting it any way we can," he said.
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