A right-handed batsman and occasional right-arm medium pace bowler, Mitchell played 14 first-class matches between 1964 and 1969,[1] scoring 634 runs at 27.56 and taking one wicket.
[2] Born in Auckland,[1][2] Mitchell began his first-class career in 1964 for Northern Districts.
where he again played three matches for Northern Districts; however his return was only 71 runs at 14.20, with a high score of 38.
[3] The following season, his last for Northern Districts, returned 252 runs from six matches at 22.90, with two fifties and a high score of 74.
[5] John played his club cricket for Burnside West Christchurch University Cricket Club in Canterbury, first joining when he was attending Teachers college.