Daryl Mitchell is unlikely to be available for the first game against Australia: Gary Stead

While New Zealand hastens their preparation for the T20 World Cup by taking on South Africa in their first warm-up game on Monday, their head coach has revealed the recovery time of star-all-rounder Daryl Mitchell. New Zealand's head coach Gary Stead has confirmed in the latest statement that the Kiwi is likely to return in the second game against Afghanistan giving a miss to the blockbuster opening tie against Trans-Tasman rivals Australia.

Daryl Mitchell, who is one of the vital cogs in the New Zealand juggernaut, fractured his finger during a practice session in the build-up to the tri-series. He missed the entire series due to that injury and was a doubt for the opening fixtures of the T20 World Cup. New Zealand head coach Gary Stead has stated that the team does not wish to rush his recovery and are hopeful for a return against Afghanistan on the 26th of October.

When asked about the likely playing eleven for the tournament, Stead said that the conditions at the venue will dictate his selections for that particular fixture. He maintained that the Blackcaps are refraining from making too many changes to the team and remain consistent with team selection.

“In all likelihood, he’s unlikely to be available for that first game, It’s more likely the second game, this is what we’re targeting at the stage. We’ll have to, I guess, have a look at those conditions, and see what’s put in front of us before we make some calls on that final 11. But in terms of the structure of the site, we’ve tried to keep reasonably consistent with that through the tri-series as well," Stead told in a news conference ahead of Monday’s warm-up match against South Africa in Brisbane.

Glenn Phillips will be New Zealand's backup wicketkeeper for the T20 World Cup: Gary Stead

The New Zealand head coach also touched upon the wicketkeeping roles for the team, stating that Finn Allen has been relieved of his duties to focus on his batting. However, Glenn Phillips will be the backup to designated wicketkeeper Devon Conway.

"I think tomorrow Phillips will probably take the gloves just for a short period of time. Finn Allen’s another option for us but I think at the moment we’ll probably just allow him to keep going with the bat the way he is. He’s also an outstanding fielder as is Glenn as well," he added.