Another blow for New Zealand! Devon Conway ruled out of first ODI vs India after collision with Matt Henry

In another setback for New Zealand, the experienced top-order batter Devon Conway has been ruled out of the first ODI of the five-match series against India after suffering a concussion in a freak training-ground incident involving teammate Matt Henry.

The incident took place during New Zealand's final fielding drills at Eden Park on the eve of Wednesday's first ODI. Conway collided heavily with frontline fast bowler Matt Henry while both players were tracking the ball to complete a catch.

The impact brought the session to an immediate halt as on-site medical staff rushed in to administer Head Injury Assessments (HIA) to both players.  

"Devon Conway and Matt Henry collided while attempting a catch during the BLACKCAPS training today at Eden Park. Both players were immediately treated by medical staff on-site and received Head Injury Assessments," the New Zealand Cricket said in a statement

"Conway was taken to A&E for further examination which confirmed a concussion that has ruled him out of the first ODI against India tomorrow.

Both players will continue to be monitored and their involvement in the ODI series against India will be updated in due course," it added.

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Growing Injury Crisis For Kiwis  

The loss of Conway compounds a growing injury crisis for the hosts. New Zealand are already without key middle-order batters Rachin Ravindra, who remains sidelined with a shoulder complaint, and Mark Chapman, who is continuing rehabilitation for a hamstring strain.

With several frontline options absent, the Black Caps face a reshuffled batting lineup as they prepare to take on India in Auckland.  

Tim Seifert, who was originally only in consideration for the first two ODIs, had been included in the squad for the entire series on Monday.

Captain Mitchell Santner indicated that Seifert would likely play if Conway was ruled out.

"I guess Seifert is the back-up batter in our squad. So it'll probably be a direct swap if Dev's unavailable, which is a shame. He (Conway) is obviously very good in one-day cricket and was biding his time in the T20 series. And I guess another one of those freak accidents that happens," Santner told reporters on the eve of the match.

On the other hand, India will welcome back Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to the 50-over setup, while Shubman Gill leads the side for the first three games before Shreyas Iyer takes over for the final two.

IND vs NZ ODI Series Schedule

First ODI: November 4, Auckland

Second ODI: November 7, Wellington

Third ODI: November 10, Hamilton

Fourth ODI: November 13, Mount Maunganui

Fifth ODI: November 15, Mount Maunganui