The son of former All Blacks and Blue Bulls coach John Mitchell, Daryl, debuted for New Zealand in Wednesday’s opening T20I against India in Wellington.

Mitchell struck eight off six balls before falling to seamer Hardik Pandya.

‘He’s always just been my dad, he’s gone to work just like every other dad does. It just happened that he went to rugby training instead of to an office or something,’ Mitchell junior said in a recent interview with ESPNcricinfo.

‘It was cool growing up, I got to watch the All Blacks and the Chiefs train and be around professional sport, which probably helped me create who I am and how I go about things today. At the end of the day he’s just my dad, and he’s still a pain in the ass sometimes and it’s pretty normal for me anyway.’

The 27-year-old all-rounder bowled alongside former Proteas seamer Kyle Abbott during the Northern Districts’ 2019 Super Smash campaign.

‘My role doesn’t change a lot with what I’m doing with Northern Districts at the moment. I’m happy to do a job with the ball if Kane Williamson needs me. Obviously, batting is my main priority. If Kane throws me the ball, I’ll do whatever job that needs to be done,’ he added.

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