NZ skipper Santner out with Covid

New Zealand have suffered a blow ahead of their white-ball tour of Ireland with news that veteran all-rounder Mitchell Santner has tested positive to Covid-19.

The Black Caps were due to fly out of New Zealand on Sunday, but Santner - who will captain the Kiwis during the T20I part of the series - will remain at home ahead of three T20I and three ODIS against Ireland later this month.

New Zealand’s head coach for the Ireland series Shane Jurgensen said Santner’s availability for the six matches against the Irish will not be determined until he recovers from Covid and arrives in Dublin.

Santner has been named as captain for the T20I component of the series against Ireland, while fellow veteran Tom Latham will lead the Kiwis during the three ODIs. – AFP