CSK's Devon Conway to miss more than half of IPL 2024, out until May

Chennai Super Kings have been dealt a blow in their Indian Premier League (IPL) title defence as Devon Conway has been ruled out at least until May. Conway, Player of the Match in IPL 2023's final against Gujarat Titans, will be out of action for at least eight weeks after confirming he would undergo surgery to treat his left thumb.

The 32-year-old hurt his left thumb during the T20I series against Australia and was ruled out of the first Test as a result.

With recovery from the surgery estimated to take at least eight weeks, Conway is unlikely to be available for more than half the IPL tournament which is slated to begin on 22 March and conclude by end of May.

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For New Zealand, Henry Nicholls was called in as cover for the first Test against Australia. He will now remain with the squad for the second fixture.

Meanwhile, Neil Wagner's hopes of getting a farewell Test match were quashed after it was confirmed that he wouldn't be included in the squad as a replacement for the injured Will O'Rourke. The seamer picked up a left hamstring strain and would now need at least two weeks of rest.

Ben Sears has been called up as a replacement. Sears has taken 58 wickets in his first-class career from 19 games. The 26-year-old has played T20Is for New Zealand but is yet to feature in Tests.

"Ben's a young bowler with a quality skill set," head coach Gary Stead said. "He bowls with genuine pace and gets good bounce which is always a great asset in red ball cricket. We've been really impressed by his performances for the BLACKCAPS in white ball cricket this summer and believe he can make the step up to the Test arena if called upon."