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New Zealand have received a huge boost just days before the much-awaited three-match Test series against England, with star all-rounder Mitchell Santner recovering from injury faster than expected. Earlier it was expected that Mitchell Santner would not be able to play at least the initial matches, but now he is ready to join the Black Caps camp before the big match at Lord’s.
Santner suffered a serious shoulder injury during Mumbai Indians’ IPL 2026 clash against Chennai Super Kings on April 23. The injury occurred when Santner made a full-length dive near the boundary to complete a stunning catch and send Karthik Sharma back to the pavilion.
Mitchell Santner’s return has given a big boost to New Zealand
However, he was injured in these attempts. Scans later revealed a grade-three ACL injury in the veteran spinner’s left knee, ending the New Zealand all-rounder’s IPL 2026 campaign. Santner returned home and South African Keshav Maharaj joined the MI camp in his place.
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Due to this injury, Santner was also ruled out of the first Test against England. Although the New Zealand team management was hoping that he would be available later in the series, the 34-year-old has recovered faster than expected and is now ready to join the team ahead of the opening Test.
NZC confirms Mitchell Santner will reach England on May 30
The Black Caps confirmed that Santner has completed his rehabilitation in New Zealand and will arrive in England on 30 May. The star spinner is expected to train with the team for the first Test, which is scheduled to begin on June 4 at Lord’s.
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 starting at Lord’s on Thursday, June 4. Santner is in New Zealand to recover from a shoulder injury sustained during the IPL. He will arrive in England on May 30 and train with the team ahead of the opening Test. Santner’s return means all-rounder Dean Foxcroft will be back at home in New Zealand. Will return.”
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 withdrawal ends Dean Foxcroft’s England dream
His withdrawal forced all-rounder Dean Foxcroft, who had been called up as injury cover, to return home as New Zealand defeated Ireland by an innings and 79 runs in their only Test at Stormont.
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Santner brings balance to the team with both bat and ball. The left-arm spinner has taken 78 wickets in 32 Test matches and also scored 1085 runs. His only Test century came against England in 2019, making him a vital asset for the touring team in the upcoming Test series.
New Zealand’s bowling attack already looks dangerous with fast bowlers Matt Henry, Will O’Rourke, Kyle Jamieson and Blair Tickner available for selection.
New Zealand team for England Test:
Tom Latham (captain), Tom Blundell (wk), Devon Conway, Jack Foulkes, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Will O’Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Ben Sears (travelling reserve), Nathan Smith, Blair Tickner, Kane Williamson, Will Young