New Zealand lose key player to injury for second South Africa Test

New Zealand have suffered a big blow ahead of the second Test against South Africa with news that key batter Daryl Mitchell will miss the match due to injury.

Mitchell has been battling an ongoing foot complaint and team management have decided the 32-year-old will sit out the final ICC World Test Championship contest against the Proteas in order to give the affected area time to heal.

The right-hander, who scored 34 and 11* during New Zealand's emphatic 281-run triumph over South Africa in the first Test in Mount Maunganui, will also skip the upcoming T20I series against Australia in an attempt to return in time to face the Aussies in the two-match Test series that commences at the end of this month.

No replacement has been named for Mitchell for the second Test, with fast bowler Will O'Rourke and all remaining squad members to travel with the team to Hamilton and in contention to face the Proteas.

New Zealand coach Gary Stead said it was important to allow Mitchell some time to rest so he can return to international cricket as soon as possible.

"Daryl is a hugely important member of the squad in all three formats and ensuring he is in the best shape is vital with the period of matches to come," Stead said.

"Based on the schedule ahead, we feel now is an appropriate time for Daryl to complete a period of rehabilitation."

New Zealand's victory in the opening Test against South Africa saw them move to the top of the World Test Championship standings and they could increase their lead even further with a win in the second Test that commences on Tuesday.

New Zealand squad: Tim Southee, Tom Blundell, Devon Conway, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Tom Latham, Will O’Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitch Santner, Neil Wagner, Kane Williamson, Will Young 

Series schedule:
February 4-8, First Test, Tauranga (New Zealand won by 281 runs)
February 13-17, Second Test, Hamilton