Mitchell Santner ruled out of England Test series due to knee injury

Star New Zealand spin bowler Mitchell Santner, who was one of the key performers for his team in the ODI series against England, has been ruled out of the Test series against and is likely to miss cricket for the next six and nine months due to a knee injury. Santner’s absence will be sorely felt by the Kiwis because it was his all-round performance that stood out in New Zealand’s 3-2 ODI series loss.

To undergo surgery 

Santner was set to join MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings next month for his first IPL season but in most likeliness will not be able to partake in that either. New Zealand Cricket confirmed that the all-rounder will undergo surgery this week on his right knee, which would sideline him for 6-9 months.

“On a personal level, everyone feels for Mitchell. He’s a popular guy in the changing room and he’s well respected for the work he puts in for the side,” NZ coach Mike Hesson was quoted as saying on stuff.co.nz.

“Mitchell is a key player in all three formats for us, so we’ll certainly miss him in the upcoming series. It’s important though that he gets this fixed and we have him back for what is a big next 18 months for us,” he added.

Todd Astle named as the replacement 

Legspinner Todd Astle, who last played Test cricket in November 2016, has been recalled as a replacement. Astle has played only two Tests against Sri Lanka in 2012, and one against Pakistan in November 2016. From there, he has managed to take only a solitary wicket, but his quality performances in first-class cricket for Canterbury earned him his recall.

Meanwhile, Ross Taylor, who missed the ODI decider with a thigh injury, is expected to return for the Test series but will not play the warm-ups.