The Wellington Firebirds will be able to call on the services of BLACKCAPS star Devon Conway when they return to first-class cricket action against the Central Stags at McLean Park starting tomorrow.

A rest in the BLACKCAPS schedule following the T20 series against Australia means Conway is available for selection for round five of the Plunket Shield.

Conway has once again been a standout for the Firebirds alongside his breakthrough summer for the BLACKCAPS on the international scene. The 29-year-old top-scored for the Firebirds in their successful defence of their Super Smash title and is the leading run scorer in the Plunket Shield – a chart he has topped in the last two seasons.

“It’s nice to have Devon around the group as we move back into four-day mode,” said Firebirds head coach Glenn Pocknall.

“He is a real leader among this group and has gained valuable international experience of late which can only benefit some of the younger guys around the group.”

Pocknall has made several changes to the side that fell at the Ford Trophy elimination final stage against Northern Districts last week.

Cricket Wellington pathway graduates Luke Georgeson and James Hartshorn come into the side. Both have made List-A debuts for the Firebirds in recent seasons and both will make their first-class debuts if selected in the eleven tomorrow.

“It’s a testament to Luke and James’ hard work off the field that they now get an opportunity like this,” said Pocknall.

“We always want to develop youth and look ahead to the future and these guys have earned a chance now at first-class level to show what they can do.”

BLACKCAPS Hamish Bennett and Jimmy Neesham were not considered for selection in tomorrow’s squad, while seamers Ben Sears and Ollie Newton are unavailable due to injury.

Lauchie Johns comes into the squad to take-on the wicketkeeping duties.

Michael Snedden is included in the squad, as is Iain McPeake who may be pushing for a promotion up the batting order after notching 149 not out for his Hutt District Cricket Club over the weekend. The knock came off just 67 deliveries including 13 fours and 14 sixes.

Play gets underway at 10.30am from McLean Park in Napier – spectator entry is free.

Wellington Firebirds squad | Plunket Shield | Round Five
Michael Bracewell (c)
Tom Blundell
Devon Conway
Luke Georgeson
Jamie Gibson
James Hartshorn
Lauchie Johns (wk)
Troy Johnson
Iain McPeake
Michael Snedden
Logan Van Beek
Peter Younghusband

Plunket Shield Round Five
Central Stags v Wellington Firebirds
11-14 March | 10.30am
McLean Park, Napier

Article added: Wednesday 10 March 2021