New Zealand batsman Devon Conway's stars have been constantly rising since his international debut last year and they have only risen, at a faster speed since. South Africa-born Conway's hopes of playing international cricket were down in dumps till 2017 and the left-hander sold his property, car, etc. to start afresh in New Zealand and after scoring tons of runs in domestic cricket, he finally got to play for the Kiwis.
Now, after 11 T20Is and three ODIs, he finally got to make his Test debut, against England, at Lord's and odds have never been tougher. And, the opening batsman replied, stamping his authority all over London. The 29-year didn't look in any discomfort.
Conway, who brought up his century with a stylish flick over square leg hit a six over the same area to bring his maiden double ton. Even though he couldn't stay for long after that as a direct hit from Ollie Pope found him short of the crease but his innings had helped New Zealand get to a strong score of 378 after choosing to bat first.
By the virtue of this innings, Conway broke a slew of records. While he became the first person in history to score a double century at Lord's on Test debut, he has now the highest score for a batman against England on his debut in Test matches surpassing West Indies' George Headley's 176. Conway also became the 7th player to score a double century on his Test debut following Tip Foster's 287, Jacques Rudolph's 222*, Lawrence Rowe's 214, Matthew Sinclair's 214, Kyle Mayers' 210* and Brendon Kuruppu's 201*.
From Mohammad Kaif to Ian Bishop to Faf du Plessis, Conway had plenty of praises waiting for him. Here are some of the reactions:
Doubled hundred on debut at the home of cricket... now that's what dreams are made of. Well played Devon Conway
— Faf Du Plessis (@faf1307) June 3, 2021
200* for Devon Conway
The first ever batsman to hit a double hundred at Lord's on Test debut.
Take a bow #LoveLords | #ENGvNZ pic.twitter.com/HaPj25HIZG
— Lord's Cricket Ground (@HomeOfCricket) June 3, 2021
Oh my word. What a way to bring up a double century, top edge and all. Absolutely brilliant innings from Conway. And offering good support to Wagner, too. #ENGvNZ
— Melinda Farrell (@melindafarrell) June 3, 2021
Highest scores on Test debut
Tip Foster - 287 Jacques Rudolph - 222* Lawrence Rowe - 214 Matthew Sinclair - 214 Kyle Mayers - 210* Brendon Kuruppu- 201* Devon Conway - 200#ENGvNZ
— Stat Doctor(@stat_doctor) June 3, 2021
Openers on Test debut to be the 10th wicket to fall in their debut innings 1949 - Cecilia Robinson 1982 - Kepler Wessels 2021 - DEVON CONWAY
— Swamp (@sirswampthing) June 3, 2021
Highest Test scores on debut against England 200*- DEVON CONWAY (NZ) 2021 176 - George Headley (WI) 1930 171 - Hamish Rutherford (NZ) 2013 165*- Charles Bannerman (Aus) 1877 164 - Archie Jackson (Aus) 1929 162 - Kepler Wessels (Aus) 1982 155 - Doug Walters (Aus) 1965#EngvNZ
— Mohandas Menon (@mohanstatsman) June 3, 2021
Devon Conway has scored as many runs in his debut innings than Tom Blundell - the man he replaced - had scored in his previous eight innings combined. #ENGvNZ
— The CricViz Analyst (@cricvizanalyst) June 3, 2021
Well played Devon Conway. What a fantastic story of it being “never to late & never giving up”. Follow your dreams
— Ian Raphael Bishop (@irbishi) June 3, 2021
Truly fairytale stuff. A double hundred on Test debut at the @HomeOfCricket, Lord’s. This man will definitely go a long long way.. Conway! #ENGvNZ pic.twitter.com/wRZuJf01mO
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) June 3, 2021
What a moment this was for Devon Conway...
200 on debut!
— Test Match Special (@bbctms) June 3, 2021