Mitchell Santner will miss the second Test match against England, starting 10 June at Edgbaston. This was confirmed by head coach Gary Stead. Both sides settled for a draw in the first Test. New Zealand will then square off against India in the final of the World Test Championship.
Santner endured a cut around the left index finger in the warm-up games, but the team management still decided to play him in the first Test. He bowled 23 overs without picking up a wicket. Ajaz Patel is likely to replace him in the next match.
Captain Kane Williamson, whose recurrent elbow injury resurfaced after the first Test match, at Lord’s, is also under the scanner. The final decision will be taken just ahead of the match.
Williamson has already missed out several matches this year due to a persistent injury in his left elbow. New Zealand may not rush him to the game, allowing him to be fully fit by the WTC final.
Stead also confirmed Trent Boult’s inclusion in the squad. While Boult is likely to play tomorrow, it will be interesting to see whom he replaces.