NZ beat ENG: Daryl Mitchell’s father quit his job to see son play, was in the stands as NZ star scored match-winning 72* – Daryl Mitchell’s father and famed rugby coach John Mitchell was in the stands on Wednesday as the New Zealand opener scored a match-winning 72* to take his team to their maiden T20 World Cup final. Mitchell hit some mighty blows in the final stages as New Zealand chased down an improbable 57 in the last three overs to seal the win. It was great viewing for John Mitchell, who recently had to quit his job to watch his son in action.
NZ beat ENG: Daryl Mitchell’s father quit his job to see son play, was in the stands as NZ star scored match-winning 72*
Former All Blacks mentor turned England assistant John Mitchell had to quit his job earlier this year to go and watch his son play on a “day off”. As per a report in The Times, John Mitchell’s exit followed his decision to defy head coach Eddie Jones and watch his son Daryl play for Middlesex on a day off. Both were allegedly gathered alongside other coaches at the Lensbury Club on a day off earlier in 2021 when Mitchell informed his boss he was going to the cricket.
It’s alleged Jones’ retort was brief as he informed Mitchell “No, you’re not,” and that there was work to be done. Mitchell went anyway, and despite having signed a new England Rugby contract as recently as February 2021, his exit from the set-up was confirmed on July 23. It was later confirmed he had rejoined the Wasps.
NZ beat ENG: Daryl Mitchell’s father quit his job to see son play, was in the stands as NZ star scored match-winning 72*
Mitchell Sr was in the stands as his son toiled in the initial phases during the T20 World Cup semi-final against England, with the chase seemingly slipping out of New Zealand’s hands. However, the all-rounder dug and later went on a six-hitting streak to power the Kiwis through to their first T20 World Cup final with an over to spare. Daryl Mitchell remained unbeaten on 72 and was deservedly awarded the player of the match after the game.
Despite being a renowned rugby coach, John Mitchell backed his son’s cricketing skills and even played backyard cricket with him during Daryl’s younger days. In a conversation with Waikato Radio, Daryl Mitchell recollected, “He’s useless at cricket. I remember playing him when I was about 10-years-old in the backyard and I had him covered even then. He loves his cricket and he’s a massive supporter to me and my sister, but at the same time he’s just a normal dad. He gives you a bit of stick and it’s good fun.”
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