The Black Caps have named a 13-strong squad for the ODI series against Bangladesh which gets under way in Dunedin on March 20.
Kane Williamson’s name is missing from the list. He is skipping the series to rest his troublesome elbow.
And powerful all-rounder Colin de Grandhomme is still making his way back following a foot injury and has not been bowling much.
He has been overlooked for Mitchell, who was in good form during the Super Smash and who has impressed at international level when given opportunities.
He is averaging 75.33 with the bat in four tests and is a strong chance of playing.
New Zealand has favoured playing two all-rounders. Jimmy Neesham and de Grandhomme have often teamed up in the past.
Williamson’s absence will open up a spot at No 3 for either Conway or Young.
Young filled in for Williamson in the second test against the West Indies earlier this summer, but Conway is averaging more than 50 in 11 T20s for New Zealand.
It would be a shock if Conway did not get a run during the series. The other option is for Conway to open alongside Martin Guptill but Henry Nicholls is the incumbent and seems likely to get the first shot.
He played a starring role in the domestic one-day final, scoring an undefeated 127 to help Canterbury post an eight-wicket win against Northern Districts.
He is also poised on 49 ODIs, while his Canterbury team-mate, Tom Latham, is set to bring up 100 games.
