In a setback for New Zealand, all-rounder Mitchell Santner has been ruled out of the first T20I against Pakistan scheduled at Eden Park in Auckland on Friday, after testing positive for Covid-19. New Zealand Cricket Board confirmed the news on Friday, stating that Santner is currently undergoing isolation in an Auckland hotel and will be traveling alone to his home in Hamilton, where the second T20I is set to take place on Sunday.
The statement from New Zealand Cricket read, “Mitchell 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.”
Mitchell Santner’s versatility with both bat and ball makes him a vital player for the Blackcaps, and his absence may leave a notable impact on the host team during the T20 clash.
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–IANS
