'Injured' Daryl Mitchell doubtful for last two ODIs against West Indies, Henry Nicholls added as cover- Reports

Daryl Mitchell scored a match-winning ton in the first ODI against West Indies.

New Zealand Cricket Team have faced a big blow amid the ongoing ODI series against West Indies Cricket Team. Premier batter Daryl Mitchell, as per the reports in ESPNCricinfo, is doubtful for the remaining games of the series after he picked up a groin injury in the first ODI game, which took place at Hagley Oval, Christchurch on November 16 (Sunday).

Mitchell gave a stellar batting performance in the clash, driving the team to victory with his century. Smashing 119 runs off 118 deliveries, he helped his the team post a total to 269/7 after they were asked to bat first by the West Indies. Later, Black Caps halted the visitors at 262/6, winning the clash by a narrow margin of just seven runs.

Mitchell was adjudged Player of the Match for his outstanding batting show. But with him sustaining a groin strain, he is highly doubtful to play in the second ODI, scheduled to take place at McLean Park in Napier on Wednesday, November 19. This will act as big blow as he has been in the form of his life.

Henry Nicholls added to New Zealand’s squad for ODI series against West Indies

With Daryl Mitchell suffering injury, Henry Nicholls has been added into New Zealand’s squad for the remaining ODI games as a cover. The left-handed batter last played an ODI game against Pakistan earlier in April and has played 81 games in his career so far, averaging over 34. Mark Chapman is another spare batter in their squad who was benched in the opening game and might be added to the playing XI in the second ODI.

Notably, New Zealand have already hampered by the absence of several players in the series due to injuries. Mohammad Abbas (ribs), Adam Milne (ankle), Will O’Rourke (back), Glenn Phillips (groin), Finn Allen (foot), Lockie Ferguson (hamstring), and Ben Sears (hamstring) were ruled out of the series. Kane Williamson, who announced his retirement from T20I cricket recently, also missed the campaign due to a groin injury.

Meanwhile, New Zealand and West Indies are scheduled to play three ODIs in the series, with the final game scheduled to be played on November 22 at Seddon Park, Hamilton. With BlackCaps leading 1-0, the next clash will be a do-or-die game for the Caribbean side. After the ODI series, both sides will lock horns in three test matches.

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