In yet another injury twist ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022, New Zealand all-rounder Daryl Mitchell has been ruled out of the T20 Tri-Series in Christchurch after fracturing his hand during training.
Mitchell suffered the injury a day before New Zealand’s match against Pakistan. Bangladesh is the other team competing in the Tri-series. He sustained a blow to his right-hand while batting in the nets, with an X-Ray later revealing a fracture to his fifth metacarpal, according to information shared by New Zealand Cricket (NZC).
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New Zealand’s physio for the Tri-Series Theo Kapakoulakis said Mitchell’s hand is placed in a cast and will need to remain on for at least two weeks. Coach Gary Stead added that time is needed to consider a decision on Mitchell’s availability for the ICC T20 World Cup. “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.
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“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 is yet to be confirmed.