Devon Conway became the first batsman ever to slam a double century on his Test debut in England. After resuming from 136 on Day 2 of the ongoing first Test between England and New Zealand at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground, the Kiwi batsman reached his double ton in style with a six off Mark Wood in the 122nd over of New Zealand’s first innings.
Conway had earlier on Day 2 broken a 125-year-old record for the highest score on Test debut by any batsman in England. The record was previously held by former English cricketer KS Ranjitsinhji, who had scored 154 on his Test debut against Australia in Manchester in 1896.
In what has been a dream debut for the left-hander, who displayed immense grit and character right from the start of the opening day of Lord’s Test. Conway came up against the likes of Stuart Broad, James Anderson and Wood but batted with exemplary determination in his very first game in the whites for the Kiwis.
While he became the first batsman to hit a double century on his Test debut at the Lord’s and in England, he became the seventh overall to reach 200 in his maiden Test. Conway joined an elite list of batsmen to have hit a double century on Test debut.
Batsmen who have hit a double century on Test debut:
Reg Foster (England) – 287
Jacques Rudolph (South Africa) – 222
Lawrence Rowe (West Indies) – 214
Matthew Sinclair (New Zealand) – 214
Kyle Mayers (West Indies) – 210
Brendon Kuruppu (Sri Lanka) – 201*
Devon Conway (New Zealand) – 200
Conway is only the second New Zealand batsman after Matthew Sinclair to score a double ton on his Test debut. After playing a sensational knock, the left-hander was run out on 200 off 347 deliveries which was laced with 22 fours and a six. His double ton helped New Zealand post a good total of 378 runs in their first innings to put them in a strong position in the first Test.