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New Zealand star all-rounder Daryl Mitchell is all set to miss the opening T20 World Cup game against Australia. The news of the same was confirmed by New Zealand head coach Gary Stead on Sunday.
The Kiwi coach Gary Stead confirmed that Mitchell is likely to return in the second game against Afghanistan, missing the game against the Trans-Tasman rivals. Notably, Mitchell who is a vital cog in the New Zealand line-up fractured his finger during a practice session in the build-up of the tri-series.
“In all likelihood, he’s unlikely to be available for that first game, It’s more likely the second game, this is what we’re targeting at the stage. We’ll have to, I guess, have a look at those conditions, and see what’s put in front of us before we make some calls on that final 11" , Stead told in a news conference ahead of Monday’s warm-up match against South Africa in Brisbane.
The head coach also confirmed that Glenn Phillips will be New Zealand’s backup wicketkeeper to the designated wicketkeeper Devon Conway. Notably, Finn Allen has been relieved of wicketkeeping duties to focus on his batting.
New Zealand will face South Africa and India in their two warm-up fixtures on October 17 and 19, respectively. They will kick start their T20 World Cup campaign against Australia on October 22, followed by a clash against Afghanistan on October 26.