Devon Conway has come a long way to establish himself as an international cricketer for the New Zealand side. The flamboyant left-hander became the first batsman to score a double-hundred on his debut in England when he hit a six off Mark Wood to bring up the milestone during the first Test at Lord’s on Thursday.

As India gear up to play the Kiwis for the World Test Championship Final, slated to begin on June 18, the team management will certainly keep a close watch on the gritty opener, especially after his lone fighting knock of 200 in the first innings.

Watch Conway's brilliant 100 on Day 1

(Video hosted by England & Wales Cricket Board)

Here are six lesser-known facts about Conway that briefly showcase his incredible journey to the top:

1. Conway was born in South Africa and continued playing there in the domestic circuit until 2017. He left for Wellington, New Zealand, in August 2017, in search of better career opportunities as a cricketer. He joined Victoria University Cricket Club both as a coach and player and continued coaching school children for 28 hours a week across Wellington.

2. Conway left the South African domestic cricket after scoring his maiden first class double century! He was 26 years old when he played his last innings at the Wanderers for Gauteng.

3. Conway was the highest run-getter in the 2019-20 New Zealand’s domestic season. He roared to recognition by topping the charts in the Plunket Shield, List A Ford Trophy, and the T20 Super Smash. He also amassed the highest runs in the 2018-19 season of Plunket Shield and Super Smash.

Watch his heroics in Super Smash Final:

(Video hosted by New Zealand Cricket)

4. Conway scored a tripe-hundred (327* off 352 balls) for Wellington Firebirds in the Plunket Shield against Canterbury at the Basin Reserve in 2019, which happens to be only the 8th triple-century scored in New Zealand.

Watch his knock of 327 against Canterbury:

(Video hosted by New Zealand Cricket)

5. New Zealand coach Gary Stead invited Conway to a T20 camp in Lincoln back in 2019, when for the first time, he met the likes of Kane Williamson, Ross Taylor and got a chance to play Trent Boult.

6. Conway was adjudged ‘Men’s Domestic Player of the Year’ by New Zealand Cricket last year at their Annual Award Ceremony.