Daryl Mitchell In Doubt For ODI Series After Groin Strain

Daryl Mitchell sustained a groin strain while scoring a match-winning century against West Indies and is in doubt for rest of the series.

New Zealand all-rounder Daryl Mitchell is in doubt for the rest of the ODI series against West Indies. He picked up a groin strain during his match-winning century in the first game in Christchurch.

Mitchell scored 119 off 118 balls in New Zealand’s narrow seven-run victory. He will now remain in Christchurch to undergo a scan on his injury.

Left-handed batsman Henry Nicholls has been called into the squad as a replacement for the second match in Napier. Nicholls, who last played an ODI in April, is the leading scorer in New Zealand’s domestic Ford Trophy. He has made 306 runs at an average of 76.50, including two consecutive centuries.

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Mark Chapman, the other spare batter in the squad, is also an option. He averages 101.33 from his four ODIs this year.

New Zealand’s Growing Injury List

Mitchell has been in excellent form this season. He was named player of the series in the recent contest against England.

Captain Mitchell Santner praised him after the Christchurch century. “He is a man for crisis,” Santner said. “He played extremely well, on one leg at the end.”

The team is already managing several injuries. Mohammad Abbas, Finn Allen, Lockie Ferguson, Adam Milne, Will O’Rourke, Glenn Phillips, and Ben Sears are all unavailable for this series.

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Kane Williamson was also not considered for selection. He is focusing on preparing for the Test matches after picking up a groin niggle against England.