The Kiwis have a reason to smile as they gear up for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023! Mitchell Santner, their invaluable all-rounder, who had been nursing a knee injury, is on the path to recovery, much to the relief of fans and teammates alike.
Santner’s injury saga began during a thrilling ODI encounter against England, where he bravely sacrificed his body while taking a catch, but ended up jarring his knee. This unfortunate incident raised concerns for New Zealand, especially with Ish Sodhi taking a much-needed rest before the World Cup.
The absence of a full-time spinner had the Kiwis pondering their options. Rachin Ravindra and Glenn Phillips stepped in but struggled to fill Santner’s shoes during the third game.
However, there’s good news! New Zealand’s head coach, Gary Stead, has expressed confidence in Santner’s availability. A full knee scan has revealed positive results, with only some lingering swelling, attributed to a joint issue. It appears to be nothing more serious than that, giving hope to the Kiwi camp.
In addition to this hopeful news, the return of the dynamic left-arm fast bowler, Trent Boult, has added a significant boost to New Zealand’s spirits. Boult, with eight wickets in just two appearances on this tour, has showcased his world-class prowess in toppling the formidable English batting order.
As the four-game ODI series against England hangs in the balance at 2-1 in favour of the hosts, the Kiwis are gearing up for the fourth ODI at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground on 15th September. With Santner’s potential comeback and Boult’s fiery form, New Zealand fans can look forward to an exciting showdown in their build-up to the Cricket World
