Daryl Mitchell won’t be part of the second Test against South Africa and the upcoming T20I series against Australia as he aims to recuperate from a persistent foot injury.
Star New Zealand batsman Daryl Mitchell is set to miss the second and final Test against South Africa and the upcoming T20I series against Australia at home due to an ongoing foot injury. The Test match is scheduled to take place at Seddon Park starting on February 13, while the three-match T20I series kicks off on February 21 at the Wellington Regional Stadium.
The 32-year-old cricketer won’t be available for these matches due to recent discomfort in his foot. However, there’s optimism that Mitchell will recover swiftly and be ready for New Zealand’s Test series against Australia starting on February 29. Will O’Rourke will step in to replace Mitchell in the squad, having been initially selected for the second Test. O’Rourke might make his debut, or alternatively, Will Young could take on the role of the batting all-rounder.
Mitchell, who maintains an average of 53.46 in Test matches, has been grappling with an issue for approximately six or seven months. Despite being rested from the final T20I against Pakistan in January, it has been decided that he requires an extended period on the sidelines to maximize his chances of being fit for the upcoming two-Test series against Australia.
“Daryl is a hugely important member of the squad in all three formats and ensuring he is in the best shape is vital with the period of matches to come. Based on the schedule ahead, we feel now is an appropriate time for Daryl to complete a period of rehabilitation,” New Zealand head coach Gary Stead was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz.
“Will’s there as back up [and] Glenn Phillips has shown he’s more than useful and it could be shaped differently. We are very happy with the squad we have. Daryl’s obviously a huge loss, though, he’s been instrumental in a number of outstanding batting performances but it’s important for him and us that we get this right long term,” Stead further added.
Kane Williamson might miss the T20Is against Australia, the format he captains, due to his wife expecting their third child. On the other hand, Trent Boult, being free from any franchise commitments at that time, could be considered for those matches as a left-arm quick option.
