Earlier this month, Daryl Mitchell fractured his finger while batting in the nets.
New Zealand all-rounder Daryl Mitchell, who is recovering from an injury, aims to make a comeback during his team's match against Afghanistan on October 26, according to Gary Stead, the team’s head coach.
After suffering a finger injury while batting in the nets earlier this month, Mitchell was unable to compete in the tri-series against Pakistan and Bangladesh in Christchurch.
Stead added that if Mitchell was fit, he would have played in their tournament opener against defending champions Australia at SCG on Saturday (October 22).
"In all likelihood, he's unlikely to be available for that first game," the coach told a news conference ahead of the team’s warm-up match against South Africa in Brisbane on Monday (October 17).
"It's more likely the second game, this is what we're targeting at the stage."
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The 50-year-old continued that it was premature to discuss the potential starting line-up against Australia before even evaluating the conditions on offer at the SCG.
"We'll have to, I guess, have a look at those conditions, 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," he added.
Glenn Phillips will serve as the Black Caps' backup wicketkeeper behind Devon Conway, enabling Finn Allen to concentrate on his batting, Gary further revealed.
"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."
The Kane Williamson-led team would fly in a stand-in stumper in the event in case Devon Conway gets injured, Stead stated.
(REUTERS INPUTS)