NZ Herald Sport News Update | Rugby’s biennial Nations Championship has been confirmed to start in 2026 and Elina Svitolina and Emma Navarro to return for ASB Classic.
Black Caps batter Daryl Mitchell has been ruled out of the remainder of New Zealand’s One-Day International series against the West Indies with a groin muscle tear.
The 34-year-old experienced discomfort in his thigh while scoring his seventh ODI century in the seven-run win at Christchurch’s Hagley Oval on Sundayand did not return to the field for the second innings following a knock of 119 runs from 118 balls.
Mitchell didn’t travel with the squad to Napier ahead of Wednesday’s second ODI, with Canterbury batter Henry Nicholls joining the squad as cover for the remainder of the series.
Black Caps coach Rob Walter is confident Mitchell should recover in time for the three test series against the West Indies, starting December 2 at Hagley Oval.
“It’s always tough being ruled out of a series early on with injury, particularly when you’re in hot form like Daryl is,” Walter said.
Daryl Mitchell is treated by the Black Caps' physio during the first ODI against the West Indies. Photo / Photosport
“He has been our standout performer in the ODI format so far this summer, so he’ll be missed for two important matches.
“The positive is that the injury is only minor and we should see Daryl recovered and fit for the test series.
Daryl Mitchell has been ruled out of the ODI Series after his scan yesterday revealed a minor groin muscle tear which will require two-weeks rehabilitation. #NZvWINpic.twitter.com/ypI4N7dDBm
The loss of Mitchell is another blow for the Black Caps’ stocks, with Glenn Phillips, Finn Allen, Tim Seifert, Lockie Ferguson, Adam Milne and Will O’Rourke already battling injuries over the course of the summer so far.
Phillips is set to play his first match since July on Tuesday after being named in Otago’s Plunket Shield squad to face Wellington at the Basin Reserve.
Mark Chapman would likely take his place at No 4. While only from a sample size of four matches, Chapman does boast a batting average of 101.33 in ODIs this year, helped by a career-high score in Napier back in March.
