Mitchell Santner has been called back to New Zealand’s Test squad for the series against England after recovering from a shoulder injury he sustained while playing for Mumbai Indians in the IPL. The 34-year-old arrived in the UK on Saturday and will join up with the rest of the touring party in time for the first Test at Lord’s, which starts on Thursday.
Scans showed a grade three ACL shoulder injury and ruled Santner out for a minimum of a month. He missed the one-off Test against Ireland in Belfast and was not expected to feature in the original first Test against England. New Zealand said they would be keeping a close eye on his recovery ahead of the second and third Tests at The Oval and Trent Bridge.
But he is back ahead of schedule and will now step into Dean Foxcroft’s shoes in the squad. Foxcroft made a solid 98 on debut against Ireland but is going home early.
What went on in the Ireland test?
New Zealand beat Ireland by an innings in less than three days Nathan Smith was the pick of the bowlers with eight wickets, Blair Tickner grabbed six. Foxcroft only bowled one over during the match. Kyle Jamieson and Will O’Rourke also missed the game with low-grade hamstring strains, while Matt Henry was already in London preparing for the England series.
What awaits England in New Zealand?
England go into this series without a game since the Ashes ended in January. Their coach Brendon McCullum, the former New Zealand captain himself, will be looking to change the fortunes after a tough run. Four years ago, England beat New Zealand 3-0 under McCullum. He will be praying for something similar this time.
New Zealand will be buoyed by the return of Santner. A fit and firing Santner gives them real spin option and some balance to the side heading into a three-Test series on English soil.
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