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New Zealand has received a huge boost just days before their much-awaited three-match Test series against England, with star all-rounder Mitchell Santner making a faster-than-expected recovery from injury. Mitchell Santner was earlier expected to miss at least the opening match, but he is now set to join the Black Caps camp ahead of the big clash at Lord's.
Santner had suffered a serious shoulder injury during Mumbai Indians’ IPL 2026 clash against Chennai Super Kings on April 23. The injury happened when Santner put in a full-length dive near the boundary to complete a stunning catch and send Kartik Sharma back to the pavilion.
Mitchell Santner's return gives New Zealand major boost
However, these efforts left him injured. Scans later revealed a grade-three ACL injury in the experienced spinner’s left knee, ending the New Zealand all-rounder’s IPL 2026 campaign midway. Santner returned home, and South Africa’s Keshav Maharaj joined the MI camp as his replacement.
This injury even ruled Santner out of the first Test against England initially. However, New Zealand team management was hoping to have him available later in the series, but the 34-year-old has recovered quicker than expected and is now set to join the squad before the opening Test itself.
NZC confirms Mitchell Santner will arrive in England on May 30
The Black Caps confirmed that Santner has completed his rehabilitation in New Zealand and will arrive in England on May 30. The star spinner is expected to train with the squad leading up to the first Test, which is set to begin at Lord's on June 4.
New Zealand Cricket (NZC) said in an official statement: “Team update: Black Caps all-rounder Mitchell Santner will join the squad ahead of the first Test against England at Lord's, starting Thursday, June 4. Santner has been in New Zealand recovering from a shoulder injury suffered during the IPL. He will arrive in England on May 30 and train with the squad before the opening Test. Santner's return means all-rounder Dean Foxcroft will return home to New Zealand.”
Mitch Santner is set to join the squad ahead of the Test series against England, starting at Lord's on Thursday.#IREvNZ pic.twitter.com/V0VD2mbmpX
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) May 30, 2026
Mitchell Santner's return ends Dean Foxcroft's England dream
His return forced the all-rounder Dean Foxcroft, who was called up as injury cover, to return home after New Zealand crushed Ireland by an innings and 79 runs in their one-off Test at Stormont.
Santner brings balance to the side with both bat and ball. The left-arm spinner has picked up 78 wickets in 32 Test matches and also scored 1085 runs. His only Test century came against England in 2019, which makes him a key asset for the touring side in the upcoming Test series.
New Zealand's bowling attack already looks dangerous with pace stars Matt Henry, Will O'Rourke, Kyle Jamieson, and Blair Tickner available for selection.
New Zealand squad for England Tests:
Tom Latham (C), Tom Blundell (WK), Devon Conway, Zak Foulkes, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Will O'Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Ben Sears (traveling reserve), Nathan Smith, Blair Tickner, Kane Williamson, Will Young
