Daryl Mitchell on Friday backed injury-plagued New Zealand “to do a job” against Pakistan on Saturday in a ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 clash which is key to both sides’ hopes of making the semi-finals.
New Zealand have been hit by setbacks throughout the tournament and after winning their first four games have since lost three in succession.
On Friday, fast bowler Matt Henry was ruled out with a hamstring injury and was replaced by Kyle Jamieson.
Regular captain Kane Williamson (thumb), all-rounder Mark Chapman (calf), fast bowler Lockie Ferguson (Achilles) and all-rounder James Neesham (wrist) are also on the injury list.
That left New Zealand with just 11 fit players before their last game against South Africa which they lost by 190 runs.
“A number of guys have got to get through fitness tests and pass them and we probably won’t know till tonight and tomorrow morning how they pull up,” said Daryl Mitchell. “We back everyone within our squad to have success and do a job for the team.
“We’re all pretty clear on the roles that we’re going to play if given the opportunities and yeah, we’ll just go out there get stuck in as Kiwis do and hope we come around the right side.” APP/AFP