Kane Williamson Watching Me Bat Was Pretty Intimidating - Devon Conway Talks About His First Practice Game With The Test Squad

Devon Conway, the rising New Zealand batsman, says that having skipper Kane Williamson watching him bat during their practice game ahead of the Test series with England was “pretty intimidating”.

Playing for Latham XI against Williamson XI at a nursery ground in Southampton, Devon Conway scored 55* in his first practice game with the Test squad as he makes a claim to be given a Test debut when they take on England in the first of the two Tests starting June 2 at Lord’s.

He speaks about the experience he has gained facing the likes of Tim Southee and Neil Wagner in a game situation.

“I experienced a special feeling, just being around in this group and environment. You’ve got Kane Williamson there in the gully watching you bat, and that was pretty intimidating, watching one of the best guys watching you go about your business. Then, fronting up and facing guys like Tim Southee, who has been there for a long time. I did not get the opportunity to bat with Ross Taylor today, which was a bit unfortunate but hopefully one day I will get that chance,” Devon Conway said in a video uploaded on the Blackcaps’ official Twitter account.

“There’s a little bit more pressure. You don’t want to get out, you want to try to spend as much time out in the middle (as possible). In the nets, sometimes you go through the motions, whereas batting out in the middle you get that competitive nature going and that adrenaline can kick in at times as well. We’re very fortunate to get out on this nursery ground and go through those matchday routines, which is pretty exciting,” he added.

Sometimes if you’re batting three, you could be in in the first over: Devon Conway

The 29-year old has had a dream start to his international career. He has 225 runs in 3 ODIs, with a century and a fifty; in 14 T20Is, with the help of 4 half-0centuries, the left-hander has amassed 473 runs, averaging 59.12 at a strike rate of 151.11.

He is in line to make a Test debut as well, although he is likely to be slotted in the opener’s role, compared to the middle-order position where he has scored all those runs so far.

However, Devon Conway is ready for the challenge – he explains that often the number 3 batsman is in early following the fall of the first wicket, so he doesn’t mind a shift in his batting position.

“There’s probably not too much difference to be fair. Sometimes if you’re batting three, you could be in in the first over. It’s just about backing your game plan, backing the way you play, and just staying true to that as much as you can, regardless of the situation. It’s just about adjusting to the surface and being positive throughout. It is pretty exciting,” he asserted.

Also Read: ICC World Test Championship Final: Joint Winners To Be Crowned In Case Of A Draw Or Tie