New Zealand spinner Mitchell Santner has been ruled out of this month’s opening test against Pakistan with a fractured wrist, the country’s cricket board said on Friday.
The 24-year-old left-armer was struck on his right wrist while training with the Northern Districts and is also doubtful for the second match of the two-test series.
Santner, who has played 10 tests for the Black Caps, showed promise during the recent tour of India where New Zealand were blanked 3-0 in the test series and lost the following five-match one-day international series 3-2.
“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.â€
The first test against Pakistan begins on Nov 17 in Christchurch with the second test in Hamilton from Nov 25.