NZ vs SL: Daryl Mitchell To Replace Mark Chapman In New Zealand's Playing 11 vs Sri Lanka: Tim Southee

Tim Southee provided an update on Daryl Mitchell‘s health during New Zealand’s pre-game press conference prior to their match against Sri Lanka. 

Prior to the start of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, Mitchell fractured a finger while batting in a practise match. He was forced to miss the home tri-series against Bangladesh and Pakistan as a result.

Daryl Mitchell Fit Again, To Replace Mark Chapman

Despite claims that Mitchell was healthy for the second game against Afghanistan after sitting out the tournament’s opening match against Australia, not a single ball was bowled. 

“Yep, I think Daryl has come through all the tests he needs to come through from obviously suffering a broken hand a few weeks back,” said Southee. “Yeah, I think he comes back in for the side tomorrow.” 

During the tri-series, Mark Chapman filled in for Mitchell, and he even saw action against Australia in New Zealand’s T20 World Cup opener. Southee confirmed that the all-rounder will replace the 28-year-old in the starting XI, which is unfortunate. 

When asked if Glenn Phillips would be replaced by Mitchell, Southee quickly said that Chapman would likely lose his position. 

“Yeah, I don’t think [it will be Phillips] — I think it’s probably Mark Chapman the one that’s, I guess, the unlucky one who came in for Daryl in the Tri-Series against Bangladesh and Pakistan,” Southee said. 

“Yeah, Glenn has been phenomenal for us over the last while, as well, both in the field and adding, I guess, valuable runs at a reasonable rate when he bats. 

“Yeah, it’s unlucky, I guess, for Mark Chapman, who hasn’t really done anything wrong, but I think the way that Daryl — he’s a valuable member of the side and he’s done well for us, so yeah, now that he’s fit and ready, he just comes back in. He’ll slot back in there.” 

Daryl Mitchell’s return to the team will please the Kiwis. The 31-year-old all-rounder, who scored 208 runs at an average of 34.66 and struck out at 140.54 last year, was a key player in their journey to the T20 World Cup Final.

He batted through the innings and brought New Zealand home in the semi-final match against England with an incredible 47-ball 72* to assist his team secure a spot in the Final. 

Currently, New Zealand leads Group 1’s table, a precarious position as a result of games being called off. Every game is critical to securing a spot in the knockout stages since, as of this writing, the top and worst teams are separated by just one point. 

On Saturday, October 29, at the Sydney Cricket Ground, the Black Caps meet Sri Lanka in the sole game. 

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