Is Daryl Mitchell Unfit for the Second ODI Against the Windies Due to a Groin Injury?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Daryl Mitchell is ruled out due to a groin issue.
- Henry Nicholls steps in as his replacement.
- Mitchell scored a key century in the first ODI.
- New Zealand is facing multiple injuries within the squad.
- The second ODI will be played on Wednesday at McLean Park.
Christchurch, Nov 17 (NationPress) New Zealand's batter Daryl Mitchell has been excluded from the second ODI against the West Indies due to a groin issue he experienced while achieving a match-winning century in the series opener.
In his place, Henry Nicholls has been called up to join the squad and will meet with the team in Napier on Monday.
According to New Zealand Cricket, "Daryl Mitchell will not be traveling to Napier with the BLACKCAPS today and will instead undergo a scan on his left groin in Christchurch this morning."
During the first ODI, while scoring his seventh ODI century, Mitchell felt discomfort in his thigh but managed to help New Zealand secure a seven-run victory over the West Indies at Hagley Oval. However, he did not return to play in the second innings.
The statement further noted, "Mitchell will undergo a scan this morning to determine the possibility of his participation in the rest of the ODI series."
Despite dealing with fitness concerns, Mitchell scored a commendable 119 runs off 118 balls, contributing significantly to New Zealand's total. Unfortunately, his groin injury kept him in the dressing room for the latter part of the match as New Zealand clinched a close victory.
Meanwhile, Nicholls has been in exceptional form for Canterbury in the domestic Ford Trophy, topping the run-scoring charts with a total of 306 runs at an impressive average of 76.50, including two consecutive centuries (117 not out and 138 not out) against Otago and Auckland.
This injury to Mitchell adds to New Zealand's long list of absentees for this series, which already includes players like Mohammad Abbas (ribs), Finn Allen (foot), Lockie Ferguson (hamstring), Adam Milne (ankle), Will O'Rourke (back), Glenn Phillips (groin), and Ben Sears (hamstring).
The New Zealand team is set to travel from Christchurch to Napier on Monday afternoon in preparation for the second Chemist Warehouse ODI against the West Indies at McLean Park on Wednesday.