Mitchell Santner begins training in England ahead of Test series, says "it's good stuff"
New Zealand all-rounder Mitchell Santner expressed his elation at joining his teammates at the Rose Bowl in Southampton ahead of the two-match Test series against England starting June 2.
Kiwi cricketers who were part of the now-suspended 14th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) joined the team's training sessions on May 24 (Monday). The group- which included the likes of Kane Williamson, Santner, Kyle Jamieson, team physio Tommy Simsek and strength and conditioning coach Chris Donaldson- landed in the UK via the Maldives.
"Obviously, it's a great feeling to get back with the lads," Santer said. "It has been an interesting few weeks to say the least, but it's nice to get out and train indoors today," Santner said.
Feels good to be back around the lads: Mitchell Santner
Speaking at the end of an indoor training session, Mitchell Santner said he is happy to get out and have a go at the nets.
But back around the lads, it's good stuff," he added.
Mitchell Santner was part of the Chennai Super Kings squad for IPL 2021. But with Ravindra Jadeja already in the team, the Kiwi all-rounder had to warm the benches.
Santner is expected to play for New Zealand ahead of Ajaz Patel in the Test series against England. The 29-year-old will look to make the most of the opportunity to stake his claim for a place in the team for the ICC World Test Championship final against India starting June 18.
Mitchell Santner got his break after Daniel Vettori's retirement in 2015. Though he has been a regular feature in the limited-overs' formats Santner has struggled to find his feet in red-ball cricket.
So far, he has played only 23 Test matches, picking up 41 wickets and scoring 766 runs, including one century, in them.
The two-match Test series starts on June 2 at the Lord's Cricket Stadium before the show moves to Edgbaston for the final game of the series.