Known for his consistency across formats, Devon Conway, the 33-year-old left-hand batter is a key member of the New Zealand cricket team. Born in Johannesburg, Conway has scored 4,675 international runs representing the Black Caps. The left-handed batter made headlines with a double century on his Test debut at Lord’s and was a vital part of New Zealand’s campaign in the 2021 T20 World Cup, where they finished as runners-up.Currently part of the Texas Super Kings squad in Major League Cricket (MLC), Conway brings with him a wealth of experience, having featured in the Indian Premier League with Chennai Super Kings, the SA20 with Joburg Super Kings, and England’s T20 Blast with Somerset.Since making his T20I debut for New Zealand in 2020, Devon Conway has featured in 50 matches, scoring 1,408 runs at an average of 38.05 and a strike rate of 127.76. A reliable presence at the top of the order, Conway has registered 10 half-centuries with a highest score of 99* and has hit 135 fours and 37 sixes in the format.In an interview with TimesofIndia.com, the 33-year-old spoke about the challenges and learning curves of playing in multiple T20 leagues around the world and how he’s using his experience to guide young American talent while pushing for a title with TSK.You’ve played the IPL, the SA20, the MLC and England’s Blast. How has each experience shaped you as a cricketer and as a person?Playing in the three different competitions has allowed me to adapt my game to suit different surfaces. As we all know, batting on these pitches are very different in America as compared to South Africa and India. So it’s a great opportunity for me to get to know different players from around the world, as well as play on different conditions to adapt my game.
What has stood out to you the most about cricket culture in the USA?The thing that stood out the most to me in the cricket culture in the US is how young it is. There is interest, particularly with the youth around at the games. It’s great to see that people are coming in and watching and supporting. So that’s one thing I’ve noticed in particular in the US playing cricket.How has the team dynamic at Texas Super Kings helped you settle into the MLC?I think the team culture that we have here is great. It’s driven from the top, with coach Stephen Fleming and captain Faf du Plessis. I think they allow guys to come into this environment, express themselves, enjoy their cricket, and just be a good person within this group. So we’ve got a great culture and we all get along really well as a group.
Poll
What do you believe is Devon Conway’s biggest strength as a cricketer?
With your international pedigree, what advice do you share with young American cricketers in the squad?The advice I have for the American local players in our squad is just to go out there, express yourself, have fun, try and learn from some of the senior players. We’ve got a vast amount of experience to talk to. Guys like Faf du Plessis, Marcus Stoinis, guys who have played a lot of cricket throughout their careers. So try and watch how they go about their business, learn from what they do well, and just enjoy the experience.What’s your assessment of the playing conditions and competition level in MLC?I think the playing conditions are great here at the MLC. We’ve only played at two venues since this tournament has started, so I’m looking forward to playing in Florida as well as San Francisco. So I’m eagerly waiting to see what the conditions are like, and I think the competitiveness is fantastic. We’ve come short twice, and we’re looking forward to trying to win that trophy this year.
