(Cricket News) Daryl Mitchell, who averages 53.46 in Tests, has been dealing with a foot injury for the past six or seven months. He was rested from the final T20I against Pakistan in January, but it has been determined he needs more time off to give himself the best chance of being fit for the two-Test series against Australia. Mitchell has been ruled out of the second Test against South Africa and the T20I series against Australia.

“We thought this gives us nearly three weeks to try and give him the best recuperation from it, but there are no guarantees this will still work in that period of time but we are very hopeful that it will improve his chances of getting through a longer stint with us,” New Zealand coach Gary Stead said. “We took the opportunity to rest him a little earlier but after seeking medical advice on this as well it is likely that he needs a longer period of time.”

There is still a chance the side could be rebalanced with Glenn Phillips and Mitchell Santner moving up the order and another pace bowler brought in with Stead confirming the uncapped Will O’Rourke remained in contention for a debut. New Zealand have not called up a replacement for Mitchell, with Will Young the spare batter in the squad and he could come in as a like-for-like swap.

“We are very happy with the squad we have. Daryl’s obviously a huge loss, though, he is been instrumental in a number of outstanding batting performances but it is important for him and us that we get this right long term.”

Meanwhile, Kane Williamson is unlikely to be available for the T20Is against Australia, a format in which he is captain, as his wife is expecting their third child. However, Trent Boult could come into consideration for those matches as the left-arm quick has no franchise obligations at that time.

Stead stated, “Trent is accessible if we want to select him. Him and I are still having conversations, so maybe we can figure that out in the next few days.”

See also: Jamieson, Santner, and Ravindra Lead New Zealand to Victory.