NZ's Mitchell ruled out of tri-series, Santner to join squad late

JOIN OUR WHATSAPP CHANNEL

New Zealand will be without their two key players as they prepare for ongoing tri-series at Christchurch involving Pakistan and Bangladesh.

Batter Daryl Mitchell has been ruled out after fracturing his hand during training at Lincoln today.

As per New Zealand Cricket (NZC), the all-rounder sustained a blow to his right-hand while batting in the nets, with an X-Ray later revealing a fracture to his fifth metacarpal (pinkie finger).

Team physio Theo Kapakoulakis confirmed Mitchell’s hand had been placed in a cast which would need to remain on for at least two weeks.

Coach Gary Stead said some time was needed to consider a decision on Mitchell’s availability for the ICC T20 World Cup, with the squad set to depart for Australia on October 15.

“It’s a real shame for Daryl to suffer this injury on the eve of an exciting period of cricket for the side,” Stead said.

“Daryl's become a really important player to our T20 unit and we’re certainly going to miss his all-round skills and versatility in the Tri-Series.

“With our first game of the World Cup in just over two weeks we need to take some to consider Daryl’s recovery timeline and his potential involvement in the tournament.”

Mitchell’s replacement in the Tri-Series squad will be confirmed in due course.

On the other hand, paceman Blair Tickner has joined the New Zealand squad as cover for spinner Mitchell Santner who will not arrive into camp until the weekend following the birth of his first child last week.

New Zealand open their Tri-Series campaign against Pakistan at Hagley Oval on Saturday night.

NZ squad for tri-series: Martin Guptill, Finn Allen, Kane Williamson (capt), Devon Conway (wk), Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Jimmy Neesham, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Trent Boult, Tim Southee, Lockie Ferguson, Adam Milne, Blair Tickner