New Zealand cricket team rocked by COVID-19 ahead of 4th T20I against Pakistan, 2 more cases confirmed after Mitchell Santner's positive test

In what came as a scary development on January 19, the New Zealand cricket board confirmed that star opening batter Devon Conway and bowling coach Andre Adams have tested positive for the dreaded COVID-19. The country's cricket board revealed the developments just ahead of the 4th T20I against Pakistan. Earlier, star all-rounder Mitchell Santner was ruled out after testing positive for the deadly virus but returned to the team after recovering. 

"Devon Conway has been ruled out of the fourth T20I against Pakistan after testing positive for COVID. Conway has been in isolation at the team’s Christchurch hotel after testing positive yesterday. Canterbury Kings batsman Chad Bowes will join the squad today as cover," read a tweet from Blackcaps on X.

"Bowling coach Andre Adams has also tested positive for COVID and will also remain at the team’s hotel. Canterbury Men’s Development Coach Brendon Donkers will join the team for today’s match to help out in Adams’ place," read another tweet.

Chad Bowes was named as Conway's replacement for the 4th T20I against Pakistan, while Canterbury Men’s Development Coach Brendon Donkers was called up to oversee proceedings in place of Adams.

Talking about the ongoing series between the Blackcaps and the Men in Green, the hosts have already secured an unassailable 3-0 lead by winning the first three matches of the series. New Zealand won the first T20I by 46 runs, the second match by 21 runs and the third fixture by 45 runs. 

Shaheen Afridi is yet to win his first match as the captain of Pakistan's T20I side. The Pakistan cricket team has been under tremendous pressure to secure some positive results as their horrendous run of form has extended to six matches. Pakistan came to New Zealand after losing the three-match Test series against Australia by a 0-3. 

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