London: New Zealand have received a significant boost ahead of the Test series against England with the return of Mitchell Santner to the squad after recovering from a shoulder injury sustained while representing Mumbai Indians during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026.
Santner arrived in the United Kingdom on Saturday and will join the tour ahead of the first Test at Lord’s starting on Thursday.
The 34-year-old was initially ruled out of the opening match of the three-Test series and the only match against Ireland in Belfast after scans confirmed a grade-three shoulder injury that would require a month’s rehabilitation.
New Zealand had earlier indicated that Santner would be assessed in the second and third Tests at the Oval and Trent Bridge.
However, he has now been included in the squad immediately, replacing spin-bowling all-rounder Dean Foxcroft who scored 98 on debut against Ireland, but he will return home soon.
New Zealand recently scored an innings win against Ireland over three days, with Nathan Smith taking eight wickets and Blair Tickner taking six.
Foxcroft bowled just one over in the match, while Daryl Mitchell also contributed with his medium pace.
Fast bowler Matt Henry missed the game with a minor hamstring strain but later traveled to London to prepare for the England series with Kyle Jamieson and Will O’Rourke.
Meanwhile, England have not played since the Ashes in January.
They are led by head coach Brendon McCullum, a former New Zealand captain who aims to revive England’s fortunes with the same aggressive style that transformed the Black Caps during his tenure when they swept New Zealand 3-0 four years ago.
New Zealand Team: Tom Latham (c/wk), Tom Blundell (wk), Devon Conway (wk), Zak Foulkes, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Will O’Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Wille Smickson, Wille You Tmickson
Travel Balance: Ben Cheers.
England-New Zealand Test Schedule: