As Devon Conway walked onto Bay Oval yesterday to face the West Indies in his 32nd Test, a reminder of his long and varied career was plastered on his back.
The number 88 honors his idol and former teammate, South Africa’s Neil McKenzie, who donned the 44 shirt.
If the South African-born Conway had his way, he would have worn the same number, but he made his domestic debut alongside Mckenzie, so decided to double it and take 88 instead.
Photo: AFP
The number stuck, even as he moved to New Zealand in 2017 to chase a chance at playing Test cricket.
McKenzie was one half of the world Test record for an opening partnership of 415, alongside former South Africa captain Graeme Smith, against Bangladesh in 2008.
As fate would have it, playing alongside his own captain in Tom Latham 17 years later, Conway yesterday etched his name on to that record list, but fell short of unseating his hero.
Photo: AFP
He and Latham combined for a 323-run opening stand on day one of the third Test against the West Indies in Mount Maunganui, on Thursday. Conway led the way, ending the day unbeaten on 178 not out with Latham falling late in the day for 137.
Conway did not knock off a world record, but he did edge past McKenzie in another way, with his sixth Test century — one more than the South African.
“I mean, it’s pretty surreal for me to see myself in that light,” Conway said of comparisons with McKenzie. “As you say, mention Neil McKenzie, certainly one of my idols.”
It was advice given by McKenzie long ago that helped Conway to refocus during his 279-ball stay at the crease, batting all day against a tiring Windies bowling attack.
“There was a moment today at drinks when Michael Bracewell reminded me: ‘Remember what Macca said to you,’” Conway said.
“He said: ‘You’ve never got enough.’ You’re on 130, the ball’s not doing much, you know, it’s a good time to cash in, because the next innings, you start on zero,” he said.
New Zealand are to resume today on 334-1, with Conway alongside nightwatchman Duffy on nine.
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