New Zealand allrounder Daryl Mitchell is in doubt for the rest of the ODI series against West Indies after picking up a groin strain during his match-winning century in Christchurch. Mitchell, who struck a brilliant 119 off 118 balls in the seven-run victory, will stay back for scans to assess the extent of the injury.
Left-hander Henry Nicholls has been called up as cover for the second ODI in Napier, rewarded for his outstanding Ford Trophy form where he leads the charts with 306 runs at 76.50, including two recent centuries. Mark Chapman also remains an option, averaging a remarkable 101.33 from four ODIs this year.
Mitchell has been New Zealand’s crisis-man this season, earning Player of the Series honours against England, with captain Mitchell Santner praising how he “played extremely well, on one leg at the end.”
New Zealand are already missing a long list of players due to injuries – Mohammad Abbas, Finn Allen, Lockie Ferguson, Adam Milne, Will O’Rourke, Glenn Phillips and Ben Sears while Kane Williamson is being rested to prepare for the upcoming Test series against West Indies.
