Variable conditions in the United Arab Emirates have made the ability to adapt vital skills for all teams at the Twenty20 World Cup but New Zealand Daryl Mitchell must be more flexible than most players.
The 30-year-old Batsman was expected to fight with the middle class order to the first World Cup, but the coach Gary Stead threw it to the end in the top.
Mitchell, the former son of the former coach of John’s black rugby, made a festive boxing from his partner as an opening in a loss to Pakistan before actually finding his touch with 49 balls smoothly to help black hats on Sunday.
Power Hitter said he prided hisself in the ability to adapt and did not hesitate when offering the opportunity to open.
“This is an opportunity to deal with more balls, and that is the role where if you go too, you can help your team win the cricket match,” Mitchell told reporters from the UAE.
“I’m really excited to get the chance to play for New Zealand in the World Cup.
This is something you always dreamed of and to take in India even cooler.” Stead said after the Indian match had chosen Mitchell to the top of the order with Martin Guptill as much as his attitude for his striking skills.
“He has many attributes that we like, we like his competitiveness, the way he took the team too,” he said.
Victory over India means New Zealand will now be eligible for the semi-finals if they won their last three matches against Scotland, Namibia and Afghanistan.
In reflection, perhaps, from a careful approach from New Zealand’s forces, Mitchell said he considered Scottish “dangerous” opposition and he would not take them lightly in Dubai on Tuesday.
“The World Cup is a funny old game, especially in the conditions here with the field that brings everyone to close,” he added.
“So, we have to be ready to go from the ball one.”