New Zealand have been forced to make a change to their original squad for the upcoming two-match Test series in India after their opener Devon Conway picked up a hand injury during the semi-final of the T20 World Cup 2021.
Conway broke his hand after he thumped his bat in despair as the well-set batter got out in the run-chase versus England. Later, an X-ray revealed that he has “a break to his right hand fifth Metacarpal”.
The self-inflicted injury after playing an important knock of 46 in the win over England ruled the left-hander out of not only the final in Dubai on Sunday against Australia but also the trip of India where Black Caps play 3 T20Is and 2 Tests.
“It’s a shame for Devon to miss out on the first series of the new World Test Championship cycle, but it also offers up an opportunity for someone else,”
New Zealand coach Gary Stead said in a media release.
New Zealand have now included Mitchell, another batting hero of the semi-final victory over England, in their Test squad for the stiff India challenge. Mitchell has played 5 Tests since his debut back in 2019 and has a batting average of 58 over 5 innings. He is also a capable medium pacer, a useful fifth bowling option, who has maintained an economy rate of 2.82 over 6 innings.
“Daryl’s versatility means he can cover a lot of batting positions and he’s certainly got plenty of confidence at the moment. He’s proven he can perform in Test cricket and I know he’s excited to rejoin the Test group.”
Stead said.
New Zealand will leave UAE and head to India on November 15 ahead of the first of three T20Is on November 17 in Jaipur. Ranchi and Kolkata will be hosting the second and third T20Is on November 19 and 21, respectively.
The two-Test series – part of the new cycle of the World Test Championship – kicks off on November 25 in Kanpur. The second Test will be held in Mumbai from December 3.
