Mitchell Santner's Arrival In Ireland Delayed After Testing Positive For COVID-19

Mitchell Santner, the captain of New Zealand for the Ireland T20I tour, has been afflicted with Covid-19. The experienced spin bowling all-rounder would not be travelling with the Kiwis, who are slated to leave on Sunday. The tour will start on July 10 with the first ODI of the series. 

Shane Jurgensen, the head coach of New Zealand for the Ireland series, stated that Santner won’t be pushed and that his availability for the series won’t be decided until after he recovers from his infection and travels to Dublin. 

Mitchell Santner Priority For New Zealand

“Covid has been a challenge and will continue to be in the future and we will adapt accordingly, contingencies are always in place,” Jurgensen was quoted as saying by the ICC. 

“He’s feeling OK and the priority will be getting him into camp with us hopefully later in the week to assess where he’s at and when he may be ready to play. 

“We’ve got 11 games across the three tours and another tour to follow against the West Indies in August which Mitch will be involved with so we certainly won’t be looking to rush him.” 

With some players, notably Kane Williamson and Trent Boult, sitting out the series owing to their wellness policy, the New Zealand team was already operating at half capacity. Following the start of the Ireland series, the Kiwis are also expected to visit Scotland and the Netherlands.

 New Zealand ODI squad 

Tom Latham, (c), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Dane Cleaver, Jacob Duffy, Lockie Ferguson, Martin Guptill, Matt Henry, Adam Milne, Henry Nicholls, Glenn Phillip, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, Blair Tickner, Will Young 

New Zealand T20I squad 

Mitchell Santner (c), Finn Allen, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Dane Cleaver, Lockie Ferguson, Martin Guptill, Adam Milne, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Michael Rippon, Ben Sears, Ish Sodhi, Blair Tickner 

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