Conway misses first ODI vs India after training head clash; Seifert steps in

Conway ruled out of the first ODI against India after a head collision in training, New Zealand Cricket said. The New Zealand opener and teammate Matt Henry were attempting a catch at Eden Park when they hit each other, and a concussion assessment forced Conway’s withdrawal. Both players will remain under observation, the board added. New Zealand also enter the match without Rachin Ravindra, sidelined by a shoulder injury, and all‑rounder Mark Chapman, who is nursing a hamstring problem. Captain Mitchell Santner announced that wicket‑keeper Tim Seifert will replace Conway, while hoping Henry will be fit for the game. Santner praised Conway’s one‑day credentials and called the incident a freak accident. India, fresh from a 3‑2 T20 series win, view the five‑match ODI series as preparation for the 2027 World Cup. Captain Shubman Gill said the tournament is on their minds and the conditions in New Zealand resemble those in South Africa, making the experience valuable for both batters and bowlers. Gill and KL Rahul will sit out the final two ODIs to focus on the upcoming Tests, with Shreyas Iyer slated to captain those games. The ODI series starts Wednesday in Auckland and runs to Sunday in Mount Maunganui, concluding a tour that began with the T20 series and will finish with two Tests in Wellington from November 19. ## Context New Zealand’s injury list highlights the physical toll of back‑to‑back formats, while India’s focus on the World Cup underlines the importance of adapting to similar pitches ahead of the 2027 tournament.