New Zealand all-rounder Mitchell Santner has tested positive for COVID-19, forcing him to miss the upcoming first NZ vs PAK T20I at Eden Park in Auckland scheduled for today.
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,” a statement from New Zealand Cricket read.
Santner, currently in isolation at the team hotel, will travel separately for the second T20I in Hamilton on Sunday, 14 January. This is not the first instance of Santner contracting the virus; he had previously tested positive in 2022 before New Zealand’s tour of Ireland.
Until Santner returns a negative test, he is expected to remain isolated and will not be in contact with the team, adhering to the established protocols in place since the pandemic emerged in 2020. The absence of the versatile all-rounder adds a layer of challenge for New Zealand in the upcoming T20I against Pakistan.
