New Zealand Adds Dane Cleaver As Replacement For Daryl Mitchell For Tri-Series Comprising Bangladesh And Pakistan

New Zealand is set to play a tri-series comprising Pakistan and Bangladesh as their final preparatory campaign before the 2022 ICC T20 World Cup kickstarts. However, the Black Caps suffered a setback after Daryl Mitchell was ruled out due to an injury.

The Kiwis have now named wicket-keeper batsman Dane Cleaver into the BLACKCAPS T20 Tri-Series Squad to replace the injured Daryl Mitchell.

Daryl Mitchell’s fitness will be monitored over the next week

Earlier, a New Zealand Cricket (NZC) statement said Mitchell’s injury will continue to be assessed over the coming week ahead of the team’s scheduled departure for the ICC T20 World Cup in Australia next Saturday (October 15).

Mitchell was ruled out of the T20 Tri-series after fracturing his hand during training at Lincoln on Friday.

On the other hand, Dane Cleaver, who made his international debut for the BLACKCAPS earlier this year, will join the squad in Christchurch today ahead of the team’s first Tri-Series match against Pakistan tonight at Hagley Oval. The 30-year-old Cleaver has played seven T20Is with best figures of an unbeaten 78 and an average of nearly 30.

Daryl Mitchell suffered a fracture in his fifth metacarpal

Daryl Mitchell sustained a blow to his right hand while batting in the nets, with an X-Ray later revealing a fracture to his fifth metacarpal, according to NZC.

New Zealand physio for the Tri-series Theo Kapakoulakis confirmed the all-rounder’s hand had been placed in a cast which would need to remain on for at least two weeks. Coach Gary Stead said some time was needed to consider a decision on Mitchell’s availability for the ICC T20 World Cup.

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