Image Credit- NZC
In an effort to heal from a chronic foot problem,
Daryl Mitchell has been ruled out of both the T20I series against Australia and
the second Test against South Africa.
The decision was made that Mitchell, who averages
53.46 in Tests, needs more time off the pitch in order to maximise his chances
of being fit for the two-Test series against Australia. Mitchell has been
carrying the issue for about six or seven months and was rested from the final
Twenty20 International match against Pakistan in January.
“We took the opportunity to rest him a little
earlier but after seeking medical advice on this as well it’s likely that he
needs a longer period of time,” New Zealand coach Gary Stead said.
“It’s really tough, because there’s not a lot breaks coming up in the next
wee while so thought this gives us nearly three weeks to try and give him the
chance of the best recuperation from it.
“There’s no guarantees this will still work in
that period of time but we are very hopeful that it will improve his chances of
getting through a longer stint with us.”
Despite having a backup hitter in the squad in Will
Young who may be a like-for-like substitute, New Zealand has not called up a
replacement for Mitchell. But with Glenn Phillips and Mitchell Santner going up
the order and another fast bowler added, there’s still a chance the team may be
rebalanced, as Stead confirmed that uncapped Will O’Rourke was still in the
running for a debut.
“[Will Young] is definitely one of the
options,” Stead said. “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.”
Meanwhile, Kane Williamson is unlikely to be available
for the T20Is against Australia – a format where he is captain – as his wife is
expecting their third child. However, Trent Boult could come into consideration
for those matches with the left-arm quick not having any franchise commitments
at that time.
“Trent’s available if we want to select
him,” Stead said. “Him and I are still having conversations…hopefully
in the next couple of days to nail down what that looks like.”