New Zealand to play one more Test against Proteas and then a T20I series versus Australia.
New Zealand all-rounder Daryl Mitchell has been ruled out of the second and final Test against South Africa, as well as the upcoming T20I series against Australia, due to recovery from an injury.
Mitchell is dealing with a foot injury that's been bothering him for quite some time. Though the all-rounder took a break during the final T20I against Pakistan in January, he needs more time off to fully recover from the foot injury.
This break will help Mitchell regain full fitness and return to good shape for the upcoming two-match Test series against Australia. New Zealand hasn't called up anyone to replace Mitchell yet, but Will Young, who's already in the squad, might step in as his replacement.
New Zealand coach Gary Stead stated: “We took the opportunity to rest him a little earlier but after seeking medical advice on this as well it's likely that he needs a long period.”
He signed off by saying, “It's really tough, because there's not a lot breaks coming up in the next week while so thought this gives us nearly three weeks to try and give him the chance of the best recuperation from it. There's no guarantees this will still work in that period but we are very hopeful that it will improve his chances of getting through a longer stint with us.”
Meanwhile, Kane Williamson is unlikely to be available for the T20Is against Australia - a format where he is captain - as his wife is expecting their third child. However, Trent Boult could come into consideration for those matches with the left-arm quick not having any franchise commitments at that time.
"Trent's available if we want to select him. He and I are still having conversations…hopefully in the next couple of days to nail down what that looks like," Stead added.
Notably, New Zealand will face South Africa in the second and final Tesonom February 13 in Seddon Park. The Black Caps will play Australia in a T20I series from February 21 while the first Test is set to get underway on March 8 in Christchurch.
(With ESPN Cricinfo Inputs)