Is NZ Batter Daryl Mitchell Out of the Windies ODIs Due to a Groin Tear?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
New Zealand's Daryl Mitchell has been ruled out of the ODI series against the West Indies due to a groin tear. This unexpected injury comes after his impressive performance, raising concerns for the team ahead of the upcoming Test series. Will they manage to adjust without their star batter?
Key Takeaways
- Daryl Mitchell ruled out due to a minor groin tear.
- Expected recovery time is two weeks.
- Henry Nicholls replaces Mitchell in the squad.
- Test series against the West Indies starts on December 2.
- Nicholls has shown remarkable form in domestic cricket.
Christchurch, Nov 18 (NationPress) New Zealand has faced a setback with the announcement that their in-form batter Daryl Mitchell is sidelined for the rest of the ODI series against the West Indies.
Mitchell felt discomfort in his thigh while notching his seventh ODI century during Sunday’s seven-run victory over the West Indies at Hagley Oval. He did not participate in the second innings.
The batter opted not to travel with the team to Napier on Monday and instead underwent a groin scan in Christchurch, which confirmed a minor groin tear necessitating two weeks of rehabilitation.
The prognosis indicates that Mitchell should be fit in time for the three-Test series against the West Indies, commencing at Hagley Oval on December 2, as stated by NZC on Tuesday.
Head coach Rob Walter expressed disappointment for Mitchell, saying, "It's always challenging to be excluded from a series early due to injury, especially when you're performing as well as Daryl is."
Walter noted, “He has been a key player in the ODI format this summer, so his absence will be felt in these crucial matches. The silver lining is that the injury is minor, and we anticipate Daryl's return for the Test series.”
NZC confirmed that Henry Nicholls, a batter from Canterbury, who was brought in as a replacement, will stay with the squad for the remainder of the series.
Nicholls has been in exceptional form for Canterbury in the domestic Ford Trophy, leading the run-scoring charts with 306 runs at an impressive average of 76.50, including consecutive centuries (117 not out and 138 not out) in matches against Otago and Auckland.
Walter praised Nicholls as a solid replacement, stating, “Henry has been in excellent form in the Ford Trophy and is an experienced international cricketer, so it’s wonderful to have him back in the team. It’s gratifying to reward players who are in good form, and we’re confident Henry will make the most of his opportunity.”
The second ODI between the BlackCaps and the West Indies is set to take place on Wednesday at McLean Park in Napier.
Point of View
It's crucial to recognize the impact of injuries on team dynamics and morale. Daryl Mitchell's absence will undoubtedly affect the BlackCaps, but the inclusion of players like Henry Nicholls highlights the depth of talent in New Zealand cricket. Our coverage will continue to follow this story closely, emphasizing the resilience of the team as they navigate this challenge.
NationPress
18/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused Daryl Mitchell to be ruled out?
Daryl Mitchell experienced discomfort in his thigh while playing, leading to a scan that revealed a minor groin tear.
How long will Mitchell be out?
He is expected to be out for approximately two weeks.
Who will replace Mitchell in the squad?
Henry Nicholls has been brought in as a replacement for the remainder of the series.
When does the Test series against the West Indies start?
The three-Test series will begin on December 2 at Hagley Oval.
How has Nicholls performed recently?
Henry Nicholls has been in outstanding form, leading the run charts in the domestic Ford Trophy with back-to-back centuries.
