New Zealand call-up Dane Cleaver as Daryl Mitchell's replacement for T20I tri-series

Cleaver in action [PC: Twitter]

In a latest development, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) have announced wicketkeeper-batsman Dane Cleaver as the replacement of all-rounder Daryl Mitchell for the ongoing T20I tri-series, which involved Bangladesh and Pakistan.

According to a statement released by NZC, the Central Stags cricketer will join the New Zealand squad on Saturday, October 08, ahead of the home sides' opening fixture against Pakistan.

Cleaver made his ODI and T20I debut earlier this summer against Scotland and Ireland respectively. He made an immediate impression scoring an unbeaten match-winning 55-ball 78.

Here's what NZC wrote in their official statement

"Cleaver will join the squad assembled in Christchurch today ahead of the team’s first Tri-Series match against Pakistan tonight at Hagley Oval.

NZC provides an update on Daryl Mitchell's injury

Cleaver's call-up to the New Zealand T20I squad following an unfortunate injury to all-rounder Daryl Mitchell ahead of the T20I tri-series.

Mitchell fractured his right finger while batting in the nets ahead of the hosts' campaign opener against Pakistan at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch on Saturday.

The injury subsequently ruled Mitchell out of the tri-series besides putting him doubt for the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup.

Speaking on the status of Mitchell's recovery, NZC stated that the all-rounder's injury will be continuously assessed over the next week before a final call is taken.

"Mitchell’s injury will continue to be assessed over the coming week ahead of the team’s scheduled departure for the ICC T20 World Cup in Australia next Saturday," stated the NZC.

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