New Zealand have been handed a timely fitness boost ahead of their upcoming Test series versus England, with Mitchell Santner set to return after recovering from a shoulder problem that began during the IPL. The left-arm spinner, who missed part of New Zealand’s recent Test preparations, has now recovered and arrived in the UK, putting him on track to feature in the squad for the first Test at Lord’s.
Santner’s return and injury timeline
- Mitchell Santner is back in contention after recovering from the shoulder injury he picked up while playing for Mumbai Indians in the IPL.
- He was initially ruled out of both New Zealand’s one-off Test against Ireland and the opening Test against England after scans identified a grade-three shoulder injury.
- That injury was expected to require roughly a month of rehabilitation before he could return to full training.
- Now fully recovered, the 34-year-old spin-bowling all-rounder arrived in the United Kingdom on Saturday.
- He is scheduled to join the New Zealand group ahead of the first Test at Lord’s Cricket Ground, which starts on June 4.
Santner sustained the shoulder issue during his IPL stint with Mumbai Indians while he was fielding. After his sidelining, the franchise moved quickly to sign Keshav Maharaj as his replacement.
Recent form and preparation for England
New Zealand head into the England assignment following an efficient innings win over Ireland that was completed in under three days. Nathan Smith and Blair Tickner were central to the bowling effort, while Daryl Mitchell added valuable support with his medium-pace spells.
Meanwhile, fast bowler Matt Henry missed the Ireland Test due to a minor hamstring strain. Henry has also travelled to London, along with Kyle Jamieson and Will O’Rourke, as they prepare for the England series.
England’s schedule will begin without a Test match since the Ashes concluded in January.
