Santner Returns to New Zealand Squad, Foxcroft Dropped Ahead of England Series

Mitchell Santner has returned to New Zealand’s Test squad for the upcoming series against England after recovering from a shoulder injury. The spin-bowling all-rounder, who suffered the injury while playing for Mumbai Indians in the IPL, arrived in the United Kingdom on Saturday and is set to join the squad ahead of the first Test at Lord’s, which begins on Thursday.

The 34-year-old had previously been ruled out of the first Test of the three-match series against England, as well as the one-off Test against Ireland in Belfast. Scans revealed a Grade 3 ACL injury in his shoulder, which required approximately a month of rehabilitation.

Initially, New Zealand Cricket had indicated that Santner would be monitored with a view to joining the squad for the second and third Tests. However, having recovered faster than expected, he has now been added to the squad immediately.

Santner’s inclusion means spinning all-rounder Dean Foxcroft will leave the squad. Foxcroft impressed on his Test debut against Ireland, scoring 98 runs, but will not be retained for the remainder of the tour and is set to return home early.

New Zealand defeated Ireland by an innings within three days earlier this week. Nathan Smith claimed eight wickets in the match, while Blair Tickner took six. Foxcroft bowled just one over, with Daryl Mitchell providing additional support through his medium-pace bowling.

Fast bowler Matt Henry missed the Ireland Test due to a minor hamstring strain. He has already travelled to London, where he is preparing for the England series alongside Kyle Jamieson and Will O’Rourke.

Meanwhile, England have not played a Test match since the Ashes concluded in January. Former New Zealand captain and current England head coach Brendon McCullum will be looking to revitalise the team’s fortunes once again with his aggressive brand of cricket. Four years ago, under his influence, England swept New Zealand 3-0 in a Test series.