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Devon Conway included in New Zealand A squad to face West Indies

Devon Conway poses after his triple-century Getty Images

Devon Conway will get his first representative opportunity since qualifying for New Zealand having been named in the A squad to face West Indies in Queenstown.

Conway completed his qualification period in August and has been part of New Zealand training camps during the winter. He has started the Plunket Shield in solid form with two half-centuries in six innings for Wellington.

"It's an exciting time for Devon who's had to wait for his opportunity at this level after some outstanding form on the domestic scene," New Zealand head coach Gary Stead said.

Another player recently qualified, Michael Rippon, the allrounder who previously played for Netherlands and bowls left-arm wristspin, has also been included in the squad.

Henry Nicholls, an incumbent in the Test side, has been selected following a delayed start to his season due to a calf injury. He is set to return in the Plunket Shield this week before linking up for the New Zealand A matches which will allow him further time in the middle ahead of next month's Test series.

Will Young, who has been on the cusp of international selection previously, will also be part of a strong batting line-up.

Canterbury captain Cole McConchie will lead the side with Dane Cleaver taking the gloves.

"It's been a year like no other and we're very fortunate to be preparing for such an action packed summer," Stead said. "The complexities of the international schedule, along with the size of the touring squads and the length of time they will spend in the country has enabled us to build a very strong A programme.

"The flip-side of this is that pressure will be put on our player pool this season and we need to be smart with how we use our resources, therefore we'll likely add and subtract from this squad as we go along.

"It's great to get Henry back on the park after what I know has been a frustrating winter with his left calf injury…we're confident if he comes through both games unscathed he'll be ready for the first Test in Hamilton

"Plenty of eyes will also be on the four Otago bowlers who have been rewarded for their strong performances so far this year and in recent seasons."

New Zealand A will assemble in Queenstown next Wednesday with Bob Carter and Paul Wiseman leading the coaching staff.

New Zealand A squad Joe Carter (Northern Districts), Dane Cleaver (Central Districts), Devon Conway (Wellington), Henry Cooper (Northern Districts), Jacob Duffy (Otag), Ken McClure (Canterbury), Cole McConchie (Canterbury, capt), Henry Nicholls (Canterbury), Michael Rae (Otago), Rachin Ravindra (Wellington), Michael Rippon (Otago), Ben Sears (Wellington), Sean Solia (Auckland), Nathan Smith (Otago), Blair Tickner (Central Districts), Will Young (Central Districts)