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New Zealand's Injury Crisis Deepens: Daryl Mitchell Doubtful for West Indies ODIs

New Zealand faces a growing injury crisis as Daryl Mitchell's groin strain puts his participation in the remaining ODIs against West Indies in doubt. The power-hitter scored a match-winning century in the series opener but couldn't return to the field afterward. Henry Nicholls has been called into the squad as potential cover, bringing strong domestic form to the team. This adds to New Zealand's extensive injury list that already includes several key players like Kane Williamson and Lockie Ferguson.

Key Points: Daryl Mitchell Injury Casts Doubt on New Zealand ODI Series

  • Daryl Mitchell scored match-winning 119 runs despite groin strain during first ODI
  • Henry Nicholls called into squad as replacement with strong domestic form
  • Mitchell previously won Player of Series award in England whitewash
  • New Zealand's injury list grows to eight key players including Williamson
2 min read

New Zealand's injury crisis increases, Daryl Mitchell in doubt for remainder of ODI series against West Indies

New Zealand's injury crisis worsens as Daryl Mitchell suffers groin strain after match-winning century, putting his ODI series availability in doubt.

"He is a man for crisis. He played extremely well, on one leg at the end. - Mitchell Santner"

Wellington, November 17

New Zealand's power-hitter Daryl Mitchell is in doubt to feature in the remainder of the ODI series against West Indies after picking up a groin strain during his match-winning ton in the series opener in Christchurch.

Mitchell walloped 119(118) to set up a seven-run win for the Blackcaps and race to a 1-0 lead in the three-match series on Sunday. After his valiant display in the first innings, the 34-year-old didn't return to the field and will undergo a scan on Monday morning to determine the likelihood of his involvement in the next two ODIs.

Canterbury's left-handed batter, Henry Nicholls, has been called into the squad for the second match in Napier on Wednesday. Nicholls, who has 81 ODI caps to his name, is the top run-getter in the Ford Trophy with 306 runs at 76.50, including successive centuries against Otago and Auckland.

Mark Chapman, who has averaged 101.33 in four ODIs this year, is the other spare batter for New Zealand to pick from the bunch. Mitchell has been instrumental to New Zealand's recent success, courtesy of his fine form. With 178 runs in three ODIs against England, Mitchell bagged the Player of the Series award as the Blackcaps whitewashed England with a 3-0 win.

"He is a man for crisis. He played extremely well, on one leg at the end," New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner said after Mitchell's swashbuckling hundred.

New Zealand is currently struggling with injuries, with several key players and prospects missing the series due to various reasons. Mitchell joined the injury list that features Mohammad Abbas (ribs), Finn Allen (foot), Lockie Ferguson (hamstring), Adam Milne (ankle), Will O'Rourke (back), Glenn Phillips (groin), and Ben Sears (hamstring).

New Zealand's talismanic batter and former captain Kane Williamson, who picked up a groin niggle against England, was also not considered for the ODI leg against the Caribbean side. The 35-year-old is focused on preparing for the Tests against the West Indies.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As a cricket fan from Mumbai, I must say this injury crisis reminds me of what Team India went through last year. Nicholls is a good replacement though - his domestic form has been excellent.
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Priya S
Mitchell's performance was absolutely brilliant! Scoring 119 while injured shows true sportsmanship. Hope the scan results are positive. West Indies might actually have a chance now in the remaining matches.
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Arjun K
Honestly, New Zealand's management should be more careful with player workload. So many injuries in one series is concerning. They need better rotation policy like BCCI has implemented for Indian team.
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Michael C
Watching from Delhi - this is why test cricket preparation should take priority like Williamson is doing. ODI series are important but test matches are the real test of a cricketer's skill.
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Kavya N
Chapman averaging 101.33 this year! That's insane numbers. Maybe this injury is a blessing in disguise to give other talented players a chance. Excited to see how Nicholls performs! 🇮🇳🇳🇿

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