NZ vs WI 2025: Daryl Mitchell ruled out of ODIs, New Zealand call Henry Nicholls as replacement

New Zealand middle-order batter Daryl Mitchell has been ruled out of the remainder of the ongoing One-Day International series against the West Indies after a groin injury. The batting all-rounder, who produced an exceptional innings of 119 off 118 balls to guide the hosts to a narrow seven-run victory in the first ODI, has stayed back in Christchurch to undergo a medical scan to assess his availability for the three Tests.

"Mitchell experienced discomfort in his thigh while scoring his seventh ODI century in yesterday’s seven-run win over West Indies at Hagley Oval, and did not return to the field for the second innings. Mitchell will undergo a scan this morning which will determine the likelihood of his involvement in the remainder of the ODI series," NZC stated on Monday, November 17.

In response to Mitchell’s injury concern, the selectors have called up Henry Nicholls, the left-handed batter who last played an ODI in early April. Nicholls has been in outstanding domestic form for Canterbury and currently sits as the leading run scorer in the Ford Trophy, amassing 306 runs at an average of 76.50, which includes impressive back-to-back centuries against Otago and Auckland.

Also in the squad is Mark Chapman, who serves as another spare batter and has enjoyed a strong year in limited-overs cricket, averaging 101.33 from four ODIs. Mitchell’s absence would be a significant setback, as he has been in superb touch this season. He claimed the Player of the Series award against England, scoring two crucial half-centuries in the three-match ODI contest. Additionally, he made important contributions during the earlier T20I series, which the Kiwis won 3-1, helping the hosts in tight situations.

Injury-laden BlackCaps

The hosts are without several key players for this series, with Mohammad Abbas (ribs), Finn Allen (foot), Lockie Ferguson (hamstring), Adam Milne (ankle), Will O'Rourke (back), Glenn Phillips (groin), and Ben Sears (hamstring) all sidelined due to injury. Their absence has significantly reduced New Zealand’s depth across both batting and bowling departments.

Former captain Kane Williamson was also not considered for selection after picking up a minor groin niggle during the recent series against England. The team management has opted to give him additional recovery time as he shifts his focus toward preparing for the upcoming Test series against the Caribbeans, which begins on December 2 after the ODIs.