IND v NZ 2023: Devon Conway “pretty happy” with his spin game on the tour of sub-continent

Conway slammed 138 off 100 balls in the third and final ODI against New Zealand.

By Salman Anjum - 25 Jan, 2023

Keeping in mind the ODI World Cup in India later this year, Devon Conway is pleased with the way his spin game has come to the fore in New Zealand's ongoing tour of the sub-continent.

The Kiwis are having a bittersweet tour of the sub-continent. While the Black Caps defeated Pakistan 2-1 in the ODI series, they suffered a 3-0 whitewash at the hands of India in the 50-over fixtures.

Conway slammed a Test century and an ODI ton on the tour of Pakistan, followed by 138 in the third ODI against India as he successfully countered spinners of both countries.

"I'm certainly pretty happy with how things have gone, personally, over the last month-and-a-half," Conway said at the post-match press conference.

"There's been a lot of learning for me, how to attack spin in the subcontinent. I've had to learn how to sweep, reverse sweep and put bowlers under pressure as much as possible."

The southpaw has established himself as one of the top batters in world cricket with a stellar record across formats, including a double century on Test debut.

"I've been very fortunate to have good experience in our group. We had Kane with us in Pakistan, it gave me the opportunity to have those conversations with him and Tommy Latham - guys who've played here in these conditions quite often - and see how they go about it.

"For me, I can take a lot of learning moving forward, especially for the World Cup coming up," he added.

Coming to the third ODI, India rode on Rohit Sharma’s 101 off 85 balls and Shubman Gill’s 112 off 78 balls to pile up a gigantic 385/9 in 50 overs.

In reply, New Zealand’s innings folded for 295 in 41.2 overs. Devon Conway was the lone warrior with the bat, scoring 138 off 100 balls with 12 fours and 8 sixes. Besides Conway, no Kiwi batter managed to touch the 50-run mark.

"It was a challenge for our bowlers today, it was a batting surface. The nature in which Rohit and Shubman batted put serious pressure on us. We just tried to hang in there and break the partnership and put pressure on the new batter."

During the ODI series, New Zealand certainly missed the services of several senior players, including the pace duo of Trent Boult and Tim Southee.

"The absence of Boulty and Southee is massive for us, they are very experienced bowlers, but on the flip side it has given an opportunity for the younger bowlers to come through and learn on the go," said Conway.

(With PTI Inputs)

By Salman Anjum - 25 Jan, 2023

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