Daryl Mitchell is out of the second Test against South Africa and the T20I series against Australia due to an ongoing foot injury.
It is hoped that Mitchell — who scored 34 and 11 not out in the Black Caps' big win over the Proteas at Bay Oval — will recover quicker with rest.
Mitchell also missed the fifth T20I against Pakistan in Christchurch, the only one New Zealand lost, plus the Super Smash finals, the Black Caps revealing this morning that the 32-year-old requires more time off to rehabilitate a plantar fascia problem.
Canterbury bowler Will O’Rourke will join the squad in Hamilton as planned, but Mitchell’s withdrawal means all remaining members of the squad for the first Test will now travel for the second Test at Seddon Park which starts next Tuesday.
Black Caps head coach Gary Stead said the decision was based on a long-term view to ensure Mitchell was fully fit for the Test series against Australia starting on February 29.
“Daryl is a hugely important member of the squad in all three formats and ensuring he is in the best shape is vital with the period of matches to come,” said Stead.
“Based on the schedule ahead, we feel now is an appropriate time for Daryl to complete a period of rehabilitation.”
The Black Caps travel to Hamilton on Saturday morning.
New Zealand will play three T20s against Australia, starting on February 21 in Wellington.
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