![New Zealand cricket team [Source: BlackCaps/X]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1784608298732_NewZealandcricketers.jpg?type=hq)
New Zealand cricket team [Source: BlackCaps/X]
In a recent development, Daryl Mitchell, the star player of the New Zealand cricket team, has suffered a massive injury that has darkened his chances of playing the next international fixture. The Black Caps veteran, who is currently on the West Indies tour, was sent back home mid-series.
The Kiwis are currently facing West Indies for a five-match ODI series, which has already been won by the former 3-1. With only one match left to be played on July 22, the New Zealand Cricket Board shared an important update on Daryl Mitchell.
Daryl Mitchell ruled out of West Indies series
Mitchell has found himself ruled out of the already won ODI series that started back on July 12. Interestingly, he missed out on the fourth ODI on July 19 as well, and just a day ahead of the final fixture, the NZC announced that he has been ruled out of the series due to an injury.
As per the official statement, Mitchell suffered a low-grade hip strain and will be departing for Barbados on July 21. He will be returning home to New Zealand immediately to start his recovery.
When will Mitchell recover?
Given the importance of ODI matches and the prep time ahead of the 2027 World Cup, the match-winning player of New Zealand will need to get back up on his feet pretty quickly.
The low-grade hip strain will require the first few days of active rest for the cricketer. Post that, a solid 3 to 4 weeks of recovery and rehabilitation period is necessary for Daryl Mitchell to get back to his absolute best.
Overall, Mitchell will be out of contention from cricket for 3 to 4 weeks, which will be enough for the cricketer to recover. In the meantime, he won’t be missing any crucial matches since their next game is lined up against India in the month of October, with ODIs starting in November.
Also Read- West Indies Star Rules Own Team Out Of 2027 World Cup
Who will take Daryl Mitchell’s place in the Playing XI?
As of now, in the fourth ODI, Nick Kelly made his place in the absence of Mitchell but failed to make a mark, getting dismissed for only 3 runs. He will be relied upon once again to bat at No. 3 or 4 if the Black Caps do not want to compromise on a top-order batter.
If that option stays experimental. It is very much likely that Mitchell’s place as an all-rounder will be filled by Dean Foxcroft, who impressed in the Bangladesh tour with an average of 49.67 and also took 2 wickets in the ODI leg.
How did Mitchell perform prior to the injury?
Daryl Mitchell put in solid efforts ahead of the injury he sustained ahead of the fourth ODI. He had scores of 28, 28 and 65, averaging 40.33, although he didn't bowl a single delivery in the series.
Ahead of the West Indies tour, New Zealand visited England for a Test series where Mitchell shone with a batting average of 47.00 while also recording one century and one half-century to his name.
Also Read- Australia Test Squad Vs Bangladesh Announced; Pat Cummins Back, Ashes Hero Out
