Black Caps batsman Daryl Mitchell will miss the second Test against South Africa next week to prepare for the next home series against world champions Australia, New Zealand Cricket announced on Thursday.
Mitchell participated in New Zealand’s devastating 281-run win over the touring Proteas on Wednesday, but he will miss the second Test, which begins on Tuesday, due to a recurring foot ailment.
The 32-year-old, who has five centuries in 31 Tests, will also miss all three Twenty20 games against Australia this month in preparation for the home two-Test series against the touring world champions, which begins February 29.
The middle-order hitter need additional treatment for a foot ailment that kept him out of the home Twenty20 series victory over Pakistan in January, New Zealand Cricket said in a statement.
“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 Black Caps head coach Gary Stead.
“Based on the schedule ahead, now is an appropriate time to complete a period of rehabilitation.”
Seamer Will O’Rourke will join the squad for the second Test against South Africa in Hamilton.
Kane Williamson of New Zealand confirmed his position as the world’s top-ranked male hitter after scoring hundreds in both innings against the Proteas.
A second win for New Zealand would give them their first Test series victory over South Africa, after 17 fruitless efforts since 1931.
