Early Life and Background
Daryl Joseph Mitchell, born on 20 May 1991 in Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand, is a renowned cricketer celebrated for his all-round abilities. He is the son of former rugby player and coach John Mitchell and Kay Mitchell. Daryl grew up in a sports-centric environment, fostering his love for cricket at a young age. His early life saw him living in Manchester and London before moving to Perth, Australia in 2006 when his father took a coaching role with the Western Force rugby team.
Education and Early Cricketing Days
Daryl attended Southwell School and St Paul’s Collegiate School in Hamilton before moving to Hale School in Perth from 2005 to 2008. He later pursued a Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Sports Science at Edith Cowan University and a postgraduate diploma at Auckland University of Technology. His cricketing journey began in earnest during his school years, playing for Hale School and Scarborough, where he was coached by Neil ‘Noddy’ Holder.
Domestic Career Highlights
Mitchell made his List A debut on 4 December 2011 against Canterbury and his first-class debut on 18 March 2012. Over the years, he has represented several domestic teams, including Northern Districts, Canterbury, and New Zealand A. His domestic career is marked by significant achievements, including a standout season with New Zealand A in 2013-14.
International Debut and Achievements
Daryl’s international debut came in a T20 match against India on 6 February 2019. He played his first Test match on 29 November 2019 against England and made his ODI debut on 20 March 2021 against Bangladesh. His test career is highlighted by a remarkable series against England in 2022, where he scored 482 runs, the highest by a New Zealand player in a test series against England.
Notable Records and Awards
Mitchell holds several records, including becoming the first batsman to score a century in each match of an away test series consisting of three or more tests. He also received the ICC Spirit of Cricket Award in 2021 and was named the Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 2023. His contributions earned him the prestigious Sir Richard Hadlee Medal in the same year.
Playing Style and Skills
A right-handed batsman and right-arm medium pace bowler, Daryl Mitchell is known for his versatility on the field. His ability to perform under pressure has earned him the nickname “The Iceman”. He has proven himself as a reliable finisher and a valuable asset in both the batting and bowling departments.
IPL and T20 Leagues
Daryl made his IPL debut with the Rajasthan Royals in the 2022 season. Though he played only two matches, his base price rose significantly in the 2024 IPL auction, where he was acquired by Chennai Super Kings for INR 14 Crore. He has also played in other leagues, including The Hundred for London Spirit and the Vitality Blast for Middlesex.
Personal Life and Family
Mitchell is married to Amy Braithwaite, with whom he tied the knot on 7 July 2017. The couple has two daughters, Addison and Lily Maree Mitchell. Despite his busy cricketing schedule, Daryl places great importance on his family life. His father, John Mitchell, remarried Julie Mitchell after divorcing Daryl’s mother in 2010.
Off-Field Contributions
Outside cricket, Daryl is passionate about mental health awareness. He partnered with Opening Up, a group dedicated to mental health issues. His off-field contributions also include working as a strength and conditioning coach at Waikato Rugby Club from 2018 to 2020.
Interests and Hobbies
Mitchell enjoys reading books and playing video games like FIFA. He is a fan of Japanese cuisine and has a keen interest in fitness, holding a Level 1 certificate in strength and conditioning from the Australian Strength and Conditioning Association.
Tattoos and Personal Traits
Daryl sports a tattoo on his inner left biceps. He is also fond of animals, with two pet dogs. His calm demeanor on the field contrasts with his animated personality off it, often seen enjoying a beer with friends and teammates.
Daryl Mitchell’s journey from a young cricketer playing in his backyard to an international star is an inspiring tale of dedication and perseverance. His achievements on and off the field continue to leave a lasting impact on the cricketing world.
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Pakistan vs New Zealand - 1st Match, Group A | Bangladesh vs India - 2nd Match, Group A | Afghanistan vs South Africa - 3rd Match, Group B | Australia vs England - 4th Match, Group B | Pakistan vs India - 5th Match, Group A | Bangladesh vs New Zealand - 6th Match, Group A | Australia vs South Africa - 7th Match, Group B | Afghanistan vs England - 8th Match, Group B | Pakistan vs Bangladesh - 9th Match, Group A | Afghanistan vs Australia - 10th Match, Group B | England vs South Africa - 11th Match, Group B | New Zealand vs India - 12th Match, Group A | TBA vs TBA, 1st Semi-Final | TBA vs TBA, 2nd Semi-Final | TBA vs TBA, Final |
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