Daryl Mitchell ruled out of New Zealand T20I Tri-series after fracturing right hand

New Zealand batter Daryl Mitchell fractured his hand during the practice session and as a result has been ruled out of the T20 Tri-Series, which kickstarted on October 7 and is being played between hosts New Zealand, Pakistan, and Bangladesh at Christchurch. With just a few days to go for the T20 World Cup, Mitchell’s injury has proved to be a major setback for the Blackcaps.

The all-rounder was hit on his right hand in the nets while batting, and an X-ray later revealed a fracture to his fifth metacarpal (pinkie finger). Mitchell's hand has been cast, which will need to be maintained for at least two weeks, according to BLACKCAPS physio for the Tri-Series, Theo Kapakoulakis.

We’re certainly going to miss his all-round skills and versatility in the Tri-Series: Gary Stead

With the team scheduled to leave for Australia on October 15, head coach Gary Stead stated that some more time was needed to decide if Mitchell, given his injury, would be available for the ICC T20 World Cup. Mitchell being a crucial member of New Zealand’s white-ball setup, Stead said that the team will feel his absence and miss his services.

“It’s a real shame for Daryl to suffer this injury on the eve of an exciting period of cricket for the side. 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. 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 New Zealand squad for the Tri-series has not been named thus far, but NZC is expected to do it soon. On Thursday (October 6), NZC made the announcement of Blair Tickner joining the squad in place of Mitchell Santner, who is on parental leave and will join the squad later this week.

New Zealand’s campaign at the Tri-series begins on Saturday, October 8, as they take on the Babar Azam-led Pakistani side at the Hagley Oval in the second match of the series.