Ahead of the New Zealand tour of Ireland 2022, Black Caps stand-in skipper all-rounder Mitchell Santner has tested positive for Covid-19.
Mitchell Santner Tested COVID19 Positive
New Zealand’s head coach for the Ireland series Shane Jurgensen said that Santner is not going to be rushed, and his availability for the series will only be determined after he recovers from his infection and arrives in Dublin.
The Black Caps are scheduled to fly out of New Zealand on Sunday but Santer’s result forces him to remain at home ahead of three T20I and three ODIS against Ireland later this month.
New Zealand were scheduled to play 3 ODI matches and 3 T20Is between July 10 – July 22. All ODI matches will be played at The Village, Dublin while all 3 T20I will be played at Civil Service Cricket Club, Belfast.
“Covid has been a challenge and will continue to be in the future and we will adapt accordingly, contingencies are always in place,” Jurgensen said.
“He’s feeling OK and the priority will be getting him into camp with us hopefully later in the week to assess where he’s at and when he may be ready to play.
“We’ve got 11 games across the three tours and another tour to follow against the West Indies in August which Mitch will be involved with so we certainly won’t be looking to rush him.”
Santner has been named as captain for the T20I component of the series against Ireland, while fellow veteran Tom Latham will lead the Kiwis during the three ODIs.
Notably, New Zealand already missed the service of their star players Kane Williamson and Trent Boult in the Ireland series due to their wellness policy.
New Zealand ODI squad
Tom Latham(c), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Dane Cleaver, Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, Martin Guptill, Matt Henry, Adam Milne, Henry Nicholls, Glenn Phillip, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Blair Tickner, Will Young
New Zealand T20 squad
Mitchell Santner(c), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Dane Cleaver, Lockie Ferguson, Martin Guptill, Adam Milne, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Michael Rippon, Ben Sears, Ish Sodhi, Blair Tickner
