Even while he was casually contracted, Conway played all but one of the Black Caps’ tests – and that was to attend the birth of his first child. He re-signed with NZ Cricket earlier this year, despite the potential lost earnings.
Speaking on the eve of the series decider against England in Nottingham, coach Rob Walter hailed the sacrifice Conway has made for the good of the team, as they try to achieve what would be just New Zealand’s eighth win on English soil, in close to a century of the two sides playing each other.
Devon Conway bats against England at Lord’s. Photo / Photosport
“Dev doesn’t give much away, to be fair,” Walter said. “But he loves playing for the Black Caps, he loves test cricket.
“There’s a sacrifice to be made; this game demands a fair bit of us. I think everyone involved in cricket has made sacrifices along the way. The families do suffer here and there.
“I’m chuffed he was able to get home, see the new one, and support his wife in that little window he had. Hopefully, he’ll have another window after this test.
“But he’s fully focused, present, and ready for tomorrow.”
Conway isn’t alone. This year’s Twenty20 World Cup campaign saw Matt Henry and Lockie Ferguson travel home from India to welcome new children before quickly travelling back to play.
At a time when cricketers are being given increasing reasons to walk away from the international game, the Black Caps are bucking that trend.
The team’s strong culture ensures players not only want to turn out but succeed when they do.
“It just reaffirms what I knew around the dedication of the lads to the team,” Walter said. “For me as coach, it’s actually about keeping that dedication in check to make sure there’s a balance.
“There still has to be a family that’s considered, but it’s wonderful that the guys place such a huge value on playing for the Black Caps. That’s something we cherish.
“It’s a world that’s fast pulling national players away and challenging that. To see that level of dedication and investment in the team is great, as a coach, to see.
“We pride ourselves on our environment and making it a place people want to come back to. If that’s a sign we’re getting that right, it’s nothing we take lightly.”
Black Caps predicted third test XI: 1. Tom Latham (c), 2. Devon Conway, 3. Henry Nicholls, 4. Rachin Ravindra, 5. Daryl Mitchell, 6. Tom Blundell (wk), 7. Glenn Phillips, 8. Mitchell Santner, 9. Nathan Smith, 10. Matt Henry, 11. Will O’Rourke
Alex Powell is a sports journalist for the NZ Herald. He has been a sports journalist since 2016.