Black Caps welcome Mitchell Santner’s return for England tests
Mitchell Santner (left) and coach Rob Walter (file photo).
Photo: photosport
Coach Rob Walter won’t guarantee fit-again Mitchell Santner’s place in the Black Caps starting 11 for the opening test against England at Lord’s, but he’s indicated his first-choice pace attack will all be available.
The New Zealand squad received a boost with experienced all-rounder Santner joining them after returning from a shoulder injury more quickly than expected.
Santner, who suffered the injury in the outfield during a match for his IPL team Mumbai Indians in April, has replaced Dean Foxcroft in the squad.
The 34-year-old had originally been ruled out for at least the first test, which starts on Thursday.
Walter welcomed Santner’s return but wouldn’t say if the squad’s only specialist spinner would play on a surface which traditionally favours seam.
“Not necessarily but happy he’s turned his fitness around so quickly, certainly a lot quicker than we expected, which is awesome,” Walter said.
“Hats off to him, he’s worked incredibly hard along with the staff. It’s just great he could join the squad again.”
New Zealand bowler Will O’Rourke celebrates a wicket in India, in 2024.
Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Walter confirmed Matt Henry (hamstring), Kyle Jamieson and Will O’Rourke (both back) were all in contention to play, while Nathan Smith is poised to play as a fourth seamer and bat at number 8.
Smith was in sharp form with the ball during this week’s innings victory over Ireland in the one-off test in Belfast, taking six wickets in the first innings.
Blair Tickner also bowled well in Belfast, but Walter suggested Smith had the inside running.
“It’s no secret that for me the No 8 needs to be an all-rounder who can bat and Nathan has been that guy prior to getting injured,” Walter said.
“If he’s fully fit and firing then he owns that spot for now.”
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