New Zealand Cricket has added Daryl Mitchell to the team’s Test squad for the series against India as a replacement for Devon Conway.
Conway was earlier ruled out of the T20 World Cup final against Australia as well as India’s tour after breaking his hand in the semi-final clash against England.
Conway had punched his bat after he was dismissed in the high-voltage match against the Eoin Morgan-led team. On the other hand, Daryl Mitchell has been in sublime form in the T20 World Cup and he would look to grab his chance in the tough Indian conditions.
The New Zealand opener has scored 197 runs in six matches in the T20I showpiece at an average of 39.40 and a strike rate of 140.71. Furthermore, the right-hander played a match-winning knock of 72 runs off just 47 balls in the semifinal against England and took his team over the line in the run-chase of 167 runs after the Kiwis were behind the eight-ball.
“It’s a shame for Devon to miss out on the first series of the new World Test Championship cycle, but it also offers up an opportunity for someone else,” Coach Gary Stead said.
“Daryl’s versatility means he can cover a lot of batting positions and he’s certainly got plenty of confidence at the moment. He’s proven he can perform in Test cricket and I know he’s excited to rejoin the Test group.”
Meanwhile, Daryl Mitchell has thus far played only five Test matches in which he has scored 232 runs at an impressive average of 58. Mitchell last played in the longest format of the game against England earlier in the year but could score only six runs.
Mitchell would look to continue his good form in the Test matches and grab his chances. The first T20I between India and New Zealand will be played in Jaipur on November 17 while the two-match Test series will begin from November 25 in Kanpur.
