Daryl Mitchell ruled out of the World Cup opener against Australia

Daryl Mitchell [Source: Twitter]

As expected, swashbuckling all-rounder Daryl Mitchell is set to miss New Zealand's opening encounter against Australia on Saturday. 

Notably, Mitchell is yet to recover from the finger injury he sustained during the recently concluded T20 tri-series on home soil. As a result, he was doubtful for the game and now has to sit out after the official confirmation surfaced by skipper Kane Williamson. 

Williamson clarified that everyone else, barring Mitchell, is ready to go in the Super 12 opener. He also considered it a good thing to clash with Australia early in the tournament. 

Here's what Williamson stated

"Daryl is still unavailable, I am tracking it, and everybody else is fit enough. Tomorrow, it’s the first game of the tournament and every team wants to start and get a bit of momentum early, important in short events. So, nice to play against Australia first up."

Mitchell was pivotal in powering New Zealand to the final of the World Cup in UAE last year. Opening the batting, the right-hander amassed 208 runs at an average of 34.67 and an impressive strike rate of 140.54. Further, he was having a great time with the bat this year, slamming 265 runs at a blistering strike rate of 153.18. So, his absence might adversely affect New Zealand's campaign in the showpiece event. 

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