Devon Conway and Phil Allen rejected New Zealand's central contract, know what will happen now

Experienced New Zealand batsman Devon Conway has rejected the opportunity of a central contract and instead inked an informal agreement. The development was confirmed by New Zealand Cricket on Thursday. It emerged that New Zealand Cricket said that Devon Conway has been selected in New Zealand's Test squad for overseas matches against Afghanistan and Sri Lanka this week. Apart from the six limited-overs games against Sri Lanka in January, he has made himself available for all international games over the next 12 months. Conway and Allen were part of a list-handed contract last month. This will be updated now.

But the 33-year-old player will be available for all 9 upcoming New Zealand Test matches, the ICC Champions Trophy to be held in Pakistan in February, and the tri-series against Pakistan and South Africa prior to that. The call to offer Conway a contract was made after the left-hander assured them of his commitment to playing for the Blackcaps beyond this January and also being available for some important practice matches ahead of the Champions Trophy, taking a break to manage workload issues.

Conway confirmed that getting the opportunity to play in the next phase of the South Africa T20 in January was the reason for his switch to New Zealand Cricket. "The decision to step back from a central contract has not been made in haste, but I believe it is best for me and my family at this time. Playing for the Blackcaps is still a priority for me," Conway was quoted as saying by New Zealand Cricket. He further added, "I am excited to be part of the upcoming Test squad for the crucial round of the ICC World Test Championship cycle. I am also very excited to be involved in the ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan in February next year if I am selected." Apart from this, opener, Finn Allen will not be offered an informal agreement, as he has also turned down the option of a central contract.