NZ vs PAK, 1st T20I: Micthell Santner Ruled Out After Testing Positive for COVID-19

New Zealand all-rounder Mitchell Santner tested positive for Covid-19 on Friday and was eventually ruled out of the 1^st T20I against Pakistan in Auckland. He returned positive results hours before the match day and did not travel to the venue with the team.

As stated by New Zealand Cricket (NZC) on Friday, Santner went into isolation at the team hotel in Auckland after taking the test. He will be monitored and will travel to Hamilton for the second T20I alone.

“Mitch Santner won’t travel to Eden Park this evening for the opening KFC T20I against Pakistan after testing positive for COVID earlier today. He will continue to be monitored over the coming days and will travel solo home to Hamilton,” NZC posted on X.

Earlier, Kane Williamson returned from injury to lead the Black Caps in the series against Pakistan. World-class batter Williamson missed last month’s ODI and T20 series against Bangladesh while he rehabilitated a knee injury sustained nine months ago. The 33-year-old recovered to play in the 50-over World Cup and a two-Test series in Bangladesh but was rested from white ball commitments last month as a precaution.

Williamson’s controlled return will include a rest in game three of the five-match Pakistan series starting on January 12. As per the plan, Santner was set to lead the Kiwis in Williamson’s absence but the all-rounder’s health conditions will decide his further participation in the series.

Opening batter Devon Conway also returns after also missing both white ball series against Bangladesh, while pace bowlers Matt Henry and Lockie Ferguson will both make their first international appearances since being injured during the World Cup.

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Seamer Kyle Jamieson and spinner Michael Bracewell were not considered because of ongoing injuries while a notable omission from the 15-man squad is all-rounder Rachin Ravindra, who scored 578 runs in a series of breakout innings at the World Cup.

“Rachin’s a young player who has immense value to New Zealand Cricket and we therefore want to look after his wellbeing. He’s the only player or staff member to have been touring non-stop for the past five months across five countries and that’s simply not sustainable. He’s still very much part of our thinking for the T20 World Cup in June and will come back into the reckoning for the T20 series against Australia in February,” said New Zealand coach Gary Stead.

(With Agency Inputs)