Daryl Mitchell has replaced the injured Devon Conway for the upcoming Test series against India after the conclusion of the T20 World Cup. Conway had injured his hand after he punched his bat following his dismissal against England in the first semi-final and Mitchell has been in good form with the bat.
Blackcaps coach Gary Stead said pointed to Mitchell’s “versatility” as a batsman and high confidence at the moment as reasons behind preferring him to replace Conway, who emerged as a solid opener in the longest format in the Test series and World Test Championship final against India.
"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," New Zealand 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."
New Zealand would have been relieved at finally finding one able opener to bat along with Tom Latham at the top of the order but Conway’s injury will make them fret over the role once again. There is a high chance Will Young, who has been on the sidelines for a couple of seasons and has got limited opportunities in the absence of big players such as Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor would walk out to open alongside Latham in the Test series.
The Test series starts in Kanpur on November 25 and the tour will conclude with the second Test scheduled to be played in Mumbai from December 3.