Portugal Colonial - New Zealand's Conway jets home between Tests to attend birth of child

The 34-year-old opening batsman was out for one and 41 during New Zealand's 115-run defeat in a low-scoring first Test at Lord's last week that left the tourists 1-0 down in a three-match series.

He has since made the long journey home to be with his wife for the birth of their second child, but is expected back in time when the series resumes at the Oval.

"Black Caps batter Devon Conway has briefly returned home to New Zealand to welcome the birth of his second child," said a New Zealand Cricket statement on Thursday.

"Conway will spend some time at home with family before flying back to London ahead of the second Test against England at The Oval, starting Wednesday 17 June."

New Zealand captain Tom Latham, speaking after the first Test, was hopeful of having "a full bowling attack to pick from" at the Oval after Matt Henry suffered back spasms on the opening day of the series, with the paceman sending down just 15 overs at Lord's.

"I think it's a day-by-day case with Henners," Latham said. "Fingers crossed, he keeps progressing the way he has from day one to where he is now (on the fourth day)."

Nogueira--PC