“It’s really disappointing for Mitch to pick up this injury”

Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo

New Zealand all-rounder Mitchell Santner has been ruled out of the first Test against Pakistan, which starts on November 17, due to a fractured wrist.

Santner suffered the injury when he was struck on the wrist while training with the Northern Districts. To make matters worse, he has already been listed as doubtful for the second Test as well.

The 24-year-old’s injury will be a big blow for the Black Caps as he showed a lot of encouraging signs during their recent tour of India.

In the three-Test series, which New Zealand lost 3-0, Santner scored 126 runs at an average of 26.50 and took 10 wickets at an average of 52.40. In the five-match ODI series that followed, which India won 3-2, Santner had less of an impact as he amassed 37 runs at an average of 12.33 and claimed three wickets at an average of 61.33.

“After such a strong tour of India, it’s really disappointing for Mitch to pick up this injury ahead of the first match of the home summer,” New Zealand coach Mike Hesson said in a statement. “We’re unsure whether Mitch will be available for the second test at this stage, but we’ll be monitoring his recovery closely and look forward to having him back.”