In a setback for the New Zealand cricket team, all-rounder Mitchell Santner has been ruled out of the first T20I against Pakistan after testing positive for COVID-19.
The news, which broke just hours before the scheduled match at Eden Park in Auckland, has created a stir in the cricketing community.
The development was confirmed by New Zealand Cricket (NZC) on Friday, revealing that Santner’s positive test results emerged on the match day.
Consequently, the 29-year-old cricketer did not travel to the venue with the rest of the team and entered immediate isolation at the team hotel in Auckland, following the necessary health protocols.
NZC posted an official statement on their platform, stating, “Mitch 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.”
Santner, known for his dual skills as a competent batsman and a handy left-arm spinner, was expected to play a crucial role in the absence of regular captain Kane Williamson, who is being rested in the series.
The sudden development has left a void in the New Zealand lineup, raising questions about the team’s strategy for the opening clash against Pakistan.
The cricketer’s health will be closely monitored during the isolation period, and he is set to travel alone to Hamilton for the second T20I, contingent on his recovery and adherence to the health guidelines.
This unfortunate incident comes at a crucial juncture in New Zealand’s preparations for the T20 World Cup, with the team aiming to fine-tune their squad and strategies in the series against Pakistan.
The absence of Santner, a seasoned campaigner, puts additional pressure on the team management to reassess their playing XI and balance.
The news of Santner’s positive test adds another layer of complexity to the challenges faced by cricketing authorities in ensuring the safety of players amid the ongoing global health crisis.
As the cricketing world watches closely, the focus now shifts to how New Zealand adapts to this unexpected setback and reshapes its approach for the remainder of the series against Pakistan.
