Tim Southee expects Daryl Mitchell to feature against Sri Lanka

New Zealand’s ace all-rounder Daryl Mitchell is set to make his much-awaited return to the playing eleven in the Super 12 clash against Sri Lanka at the SCG on October 29. Mitchell was expected to make his return against Afghanistan, but according to Kiwi pacer Tim Southee, he will feature for last year’s finalists against the Asian Champions on Saturday.

Kane Williamson’s side suffered a huge injury setback after Daryl Mitchell was ruled out of the tri-series against Pakistan and Bangladesh earlier this month after fracturing his finger during a practice session. Mitchell was expected to sit out the campaign opener against Australia, which was won by the Kiwis comprehensively. Although he was in contention to start against Afghanistan, the rain ensured that he had no part to play against the subcontinent side.

“Daryl’s come through all the tests he needs to come through after suffering a broken hand a few weeks back. It’s bad luck for Mark Chapman but Daryl is such a valuable member of the side and he’s done well for us. So, yeah, now he’s fit and ready, he just slots back in,” Tim Southee told reporters at the SCG ahead of the Sri Lanka clash.

You can’t really have too many slip ups in the tournament: Tim Southee

New Zealand were the favourites heading into the Afghanistan clash, buoyed by their thrashing of Australia, but they had to content with just a point, thanks to the relentless rain at the venue. Southee feels that the team will have to bring their best game every time they take the field and will need to avoid slip-ups since there have already been a few surprising results in the tournament so far.

“We know we have to be on our toes every single game we play, it’s the nature of this tournament that you can’t really have too many slip ups. T20 cricket brings the sides closer together and we’ve seen in this tournament a number of upsets already so every game is vitally important,” he added